Electronic vaping device

ABSTRACT

An electronic vaping device may be designed to enhance or facilitate its use. For example, the electronic vaping device may: allow a capability of the electronic vaping device to provide vapor to be altered (e.g., disabled, reduced, enabled, or increased) in some situations (e.g., to prevent unauthorized vaping by a child, teenager or other individual); be able to communicate with an external communication device (e.g., a smartphone, a computer, etc.) to convey a notification of potential unauthorized use of the electronic vaping device (e.g., by a child, teenager or other unauthorized user); implement a physical deterrent to its unauthorized use; be able to visually convey information (e.g., advertisements, notifications, etc.); and/or be able to capture images and/or sounds (e.g., record pictures and/or video, speech, music, etc.).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/133,614, filed Dec. 23, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/571,082, filed Sep. 14, 2019, and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 11,000,076 on May 11, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/008,009, filed Jun. 13, 2018, and issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 10,440,999 on Oct. 15, 2019, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/587,117, filed Dec. 31, 2014, andclaims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/992,091, filed Dec. 31, 2013 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/035,436 filed Aug. 10, 2014, which are herebyincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The invention relates to electronic vaping devices usable by users to“vape”, i.e., draw (e.g., inhale, puff, etc.) vapor from the electronicvaping devices using their mouth.

BACKGROUND

Electronic vaping devices, which are sometimes referred to as“electronic cigarettes”, “e-cigarettes” or “personal vaporizers”, arebecoming increasingly popular. For instance, electronic cigarettes maybe used by various people to simulate smoking (e.g., tobacco smoking),including current or past smokers of tobacco cigarettes (e.g., who aretrying to quit or may have previously quit tobacco smoking) andindividuals who never were smokers of tobacco cigarettes.

While they are certainly useful to various people, electronic cigarettesmay sometimes bring about some additional considerations. For example,in some cases, it may undesirable for certain persons to readily useelectronic cigarettes, such as a child or teenager who may not beallowed to vape or someone who may have stolen or found an electroniccigarette belonging to somebody else. As another example, in somesituations, it may be undesirable for electronic cigarettes to be vapedat certain places and/or times. As yet another example, in some cases,it may be desirable for an electronic cigarette to be useful forpurposes other than vaping.

For these and/or other reasons, there is a need for improvementsdirected to electronic vaping devices.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments of the invention, an electronic vaping device maybe designed to enhance or facilitate its use. For example, in someembodiments, the electronic vaping device may: allow a capability of theelectronic vaping device to provide vapor to be altered (e.g., disabled,reduced, enabled, or increased) in some situations (e.g., to preventunauthorized vaping by a child, teenager or other individual); be ableto communicate with an external communication device (e.g., asmartphone, a computer, etc.) to convey a notification of potentialunauthorized use of the electronic vaping device (e.g., by a child,teenager or other unauthorized user); implement a physical deterrent toits unauthorized use; be able to visually convey information (e.g.,advertisements, notifications, etc.); and/or be able to capture imagesand/or sounds (e.g., record pictures and/or video, speech, music, etc.).

For example, according to an aspect of the invention, there is providedan electronic vaping device. The electronic vaping device comprises: anoutlet; a vapor producer configured to produce vapor drawable by a userthrough the outlet using the user's mouth; and a controller configuredto cause a capability of the electronic vaping device to provide vaporthrough the outlet to be altered in response to a condition being met.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodfor controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronic vapingdevice comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured to producevapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user's mouth. Themethod comprises: determining that a condition is met; and causing acapability of the electronic vaping device to provide vapor through theoutlet to be altered in response to the condition being met.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided anapparatus for controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronicvaping device comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured toproduce vapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user'smouth. The apparatus comprises a memory portion and a processing portionwhich is configured to: determine that a condition is met; and cause acapability of the electronic vaping device to provide vapor through theoutlet to be altered in response to the condition being met.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided acomputer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, whenexecuted by a computing entity, cause the computing entity to implementa method for controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronicvaping device comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured toproduce vapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user'smouth. The method comprises: determining that a condition is met; andcausing a capability of the electronic vaping device to provide vaporthrough the outlet to be altered in response to the condition being met.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided anelectronic vaping device. The electronic vaping device comprises: anoutlet; a vapor producer configured to produce vapor drawable by a userthrough the outlet using the user's mouth; and a controller configuredto cause a capability of the electronic vaping device to provide vaporthrough the outlet to be disabled in response to an event other than amanual shutdown of the electronic vaping device.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodfor controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronic vapingdevice comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured to producevapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user's mouth. Themethod comprises: determining that an event other than a manual shutdownof the electronic vaping device occurred; and causing a capability ofthe electronic vaping device to provide vapor through the outlet to bedisabled in response to the event.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided anapparatus for controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronicvaping device comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured toproduce vapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user'smouth. The apparatus comprises a memory portion and a processing portionwhich is configured to: determine that an event other than a manualshutdown of the electronic vaping device occurred; and cause acapability of the electronic vaping device to provide vapor through theoutlet to be disabled in response to the event.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided acomputer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, whenexecuted by a computing entity, cause the computing entity to implementa method for controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronicvaping device comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured toproduce vapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user'smouth. The method comprises: determining that an event other than amanual shutdown of the electronic vaping device occurred; and causing acapability of the electronic vaping device to provide vapor through theoutlet to be disabled in response to the event.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided anelectronic vaping device. The electronic vaping device comprises: anoutlet; a vapor producer configured to produce vapor drawable by a userthrough the outlet using the user's mouth; and a controller configuredto cause a capability of the electronic vaping device to provide vaporthrough the outlet to be disabled in response to an external commandfrom a communication device that is external to the electronic vapingdevice.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodfor controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronic vapingdevice comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured to producevapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user's mouth. Themethod comprises: receiving an external command from a communicationdevice that is external to the electronic vaping device; and causing acapability of the electronic vaping device to provide vapor through theoutlet to be disabled in response to the external command.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided anapparatus for controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronicvaping device comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured toproduce vapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user'smouth. The apparatus comprises a memory portion and a processing portionwhich is configured to: receive an external command from a communicationdevice that is external to the electronic vaping device; and cause acapability of the electronic vaping device to provide vapor through theoutlet to be disabled in response to the external command.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided acomputer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, whenexecuted by a computing entity, cause the computing entity to implementa method for controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronicvaping device comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured toproduce vapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user'smouth. The method comprises: receiving an external command from acommunication device that is external to the electronic vaping device;and causing a capability of the electronic vaping device to providevapor through the outlet to be disabled in response to the externalcommand.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided anelectronic vaping device. The electronic vaping device comprises: anoutlet; a vapor producer configured to produce vapor drawable by a userthrough the outlet using the user's mouth; and a controller configuredto cause a capability of the electronic vaping device to provide vaporthrough the outlet to be altered in response to a condition independentof user input being met.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodfor controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronic vapingdevice comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured to producevapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user's mouth. Themethod comprises: determining that a condition independent of user inputis met; and causing a capability of the electronic vaping device toprovide vapor through the outlet to be altered in response to thecondition independent of user input being met.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided anapparatus for controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronicvaping device comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured toproduce vapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user'smouth. The apparatus comprises a memory portion and a processing portionwhich is configured to: determine that a condition independent of userinput is met; and cause a capability of the electronic vaping device toprovide vapor through the outlet to be altered in response to thecondition independent of user input being met.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided acomputer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, whenexecuted by a computing entity, cause the computing entity to implementa method for controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronicvaping device comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured toproduce vapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user'smouth. The method comprises: determining that a condition independent ofuser input is met; and causing a capability of the electronic vapingdevice to provide vapor through the outlet to be altered in response tothe condition independent of user input being met.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided anapparatus for controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronicvaping device comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured toproduce vapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user'smouth. The apparatus comprises a memory portion and a processing portionwhich is configured to: determine that a condition is met; and inresponse to the condition being met, issuing a command to the electronicvaping device to alter a capability of the electronic vaping device toprovide vapor through the outlet.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided acomputer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, whenexecuted by a computing entity, cause the computing entity to implementa method for controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronicvaping device comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured toproduce vapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user'smouth. The method comprises: determining that a condition is met; and inresponse to the condition being met, issuing a command to the electronicvaping device to alter a capability of the electronic vaping device toprovide vapor through the outlet.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided acommunication device for interacting with an electronic vaping deviceover a communication link. The electronic vaping device comprises anoutlet and a vapor producer configured to produce vapor drawable by auser through the outlet using the user's mouth. The communication devicecomprises a memory portion and a processing portion which is configuredto: determine that a condition is met; and in response to the conditionbeing met, transmitting a command to the electronic vaping device viathe communication link to alter a capability of the electronic vapingdevice to provide vapor through the outlet.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodfor controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronic vapingdevice comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured to producevapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user's mouth. Themethod comprises: determining that a condition is met; and in responseto the condition being met, issuing a command to the electronic vapingdevice to alter a capability of the electronic vaping device to providevapor through the outlet.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided anapparatus for controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronicvaping device comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured toproduce vapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user'smouth. The apparatus comprises a memory portion and a processing portionwhich is configured to: receive first data indicative of a user's desireto enable vaping of the electronic vaping device; verify whetherauthorization criteria are met; and in case the authorization criteriaare met, send second data over a communication link to enable vaping ofthe electronic vaping device.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided acomputer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, whenexecuted by a computing entity, cause the computing entity to implementa method for controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronicvaping device comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured toproduce vapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user'smouth. The method comprises: receiving first data indicative of a user'sdesire to enable vaping of the electronic vaping device; verifyingwhether authorization criteria are met; and in case the authorizationcriteria are met, sending second data over a communication link toenable vaping of the electronic vaping device.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodfor controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronic vapingdevice comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured to producevapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user's mouth. Themethod comprises: receiving first data indicative of a user's desire toenable vaping of the electronic vaping device; verifying whetherauthorization criteria are met; and in case the authorization criteriaare met, sending second data over a communication link to enable vapingof the electronic vaping device.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided anapparatus for controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronicvaping device comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured toproduce vapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user'smouth. The apparatus comprises a memory portion and a processing portionwhich is configured to: detect potential unauthorized use of theelectronic vaping device; and cause a notification to be issued inresponse to the potential unauthorized use of the electronic vapingdevice.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided acomputer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, whenexecuted by a computing entity, cause the computing entity to implementa method for controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronicvaping device comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured toproduce vapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user'smouth. The method comprises: detecting potential unauthorized use of theelectronic vaping device; and causing a notification to be issued inresponse to the detecting.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodfor controlling an electronic vaping device. The electronic vapingdevice comprises an outlet and a vapor producer configured to producevapor drawable by a user through the outlet using the user's mouth. Themethod comprises: detecting potential unauthorized use of the electronicvaping device; and causing a notification to be issued in response tothe detecting.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided anelectronic vaping device. The electronic vaping device comprises: anoutlet; a vapor producer configured to produce vapor drawable by a userthrough the outlet using the user's mouth; and a visual output deviceconfigured to visually convey information.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided anelectronic vaping device. The electronic vaping device comprises: anoutlet; a vapor producer configured to produce vapor drawable by a userthrough the outlet using the user's mouth; and a media-capturing deviceconfigured to capture media.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided anelectronic vaping device. The electronic vaping device comprises anoutlet and a vapor producer configured to produce vapor drawable by auser through the outlet using the user's mouth. The electronic vapingdevice implements a physical deterrent to unauthorized use of theelectronic vaping device.

These and other aspects of the invention will now become apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the followingdescription of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of embodiments of the invention is providedbelow, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of an electronic vaping device inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3 to 6 show examples of components of the electronic vapingdevice;

FIG. 7 shows an example of a communication device connected to theelectronic vaping device;

FIGS. 8 to 10 show examples of components of the electronic vapingdevice to alter a vapor-providing capability of the electronic vapingdevice;

FIG. 11 shows an example of a process for altering the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic vaping device;

FIGS. 12 to 28 show various examples of embodiments in which thevapor-providing capability of the electronic vaping device can bealtered;

FIG. 29 shows an example of a notification of potential unauthorized useof the electronic vaping device;

FIG. 30 shows an example of a physical deterrent implemented by theelectronic vaping device to deter its unauthorized use;

FIGS. 31 and 32 show an example of visual conveyance of information bythe electronic vaping device;

FIGS. 33 and 34 show an example of capturing of images and/or sounds bythe electronic vaping device; and

FIG. 35 shows an example of an embodiment of a computing apparatus thatmay implement a given component mentioned herein.

It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings areonly for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments of theinvention and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to bea definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 5 show an example of an electronic vaping device 100 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. The electronic vapingdevice 100, which may be referred to as an “electronic cigarette”,“e-cigarette”, or “personal vaporizer”, is usable by a user to “vape”,i.e., draw (e.g., inhale, puff, etc.) vapor through an outlet 152 of theelectronic vaping device 100 using his/her mouth, such as, for instance,to simulate smoking (e.g., tobacco smoking). In various cases, the usermay inhale the vapor drawn from the electronic cigarette 100 (i.e.,inspire the vapor into his/her lungs) or may hold the vapor drawn fromthe electronic cigarette 100 in his/her mouth and/or throat withoutnecessarily inspiring it into his/her lungs.

The electronic cigarette 100 comprises a housing 115, a power source 110to supply power for the electronic cigarette 100, a vapor producer 120configured to produce vapor drawable (e.g., inhalable) by the userthrough the outlet 152, and a control system 130 to control operation ofthe electronic cigarette 100.

As further discussed below, in various embodiments, the electroniccigarette 100 may be designed to enhance or facilitate its use, such as,for example, by:

-   -   allowing a capability of the electronic cigarette 100 to provide        vapor through the outlet 152 to be altered (e.g., disabled,        reduced, enabled, or increased) in some situations (e.g., to        prevent unauthorized vaping by a child, teenager or other        individual);    -   being able to communicate with an external communication device        (e.g., a smartphone, a computer, etc.) to convey a notification        of potential unauthorized use of the electronic cigarette 100        (e.g., by a child, teenager or other unauthorized user);        implementing a physical deterrent to its unauthorized use (e.g.,        by a child, teenager or other unauthorized user)    -   being able to visually convey information (e.g., advertisements,        notifications, etc.); and/or    -   being able to capture images and/or sounds (e.g., record        pictures and/or video, speech, music, etc.).

The vapor producer 120 comprises a container 124 to store a substance toprovide the vapor drawable (e.g., inhalable) by the user. For example,in this embodiment, the substance includes a liquid that is vaporizable.In some cases, the liquid may contain nicotine. Additionally oralternatively, the liquid may be flavored so that the vapor it producesis flavored. In other embodiments, the container 124 may include dryherbs and/or other non-liquid content, or any other suitable content(e.g., alcohol without liquid (AWOL) (e.g., Vaportini™ manufactured byVaportini Inc., Chicago, Ill., 60618 or Palcohol™ manufactured byLipsmark LLC, Tempe, Ariz., 85283)). In some embodiments, the electroniccigarette 100 may be disposable such that it can be discarded after thesubstance stored in the vapor producer 120 has been completely consumed.Alternatively, in other embodiments, the electronic cigarette 100 may bereusable such that the vapor producer 120 may be replenished with anadditional amount of the substance (e.g., in a cartridge) to keepproducing vapor.

In addition, in this embodiment, the vapor producer 120 comprises avaporizer 126, sometimes referred to as an “atomizer”, to vaporize theliquid stored in the container 124. To that end, the vaporizer 126 maycomprise a heater to heat the liquid for vaporizing it. In otherembodiments, a system other than a heater may be used. When combinedwith a cartridge containing the substance to be vaporized, the atomizermay be referred to as a “cartomizer”.

The power source 110 is connected to other components of the electroniccigarette 100, including the vapor producer 120 and the control system130, to power them. To that end, the power source 110 comprises abattery 112. In some cases, the battery 112 may be rechargeable (e.g.,where the electronic cigarette 100 is reusable).

The control system 130 comprises various components to control operationof the electronic cigarette 100, including, in this embodiment, a userinterface 150 and a controller 160.

The user interface 150 interfaces with the user in order to processinputs received from the user. For example, the user interface 150comprises the outlet 152 over which the user can place his/her mouth tovape.

In this embodiment, with additional reference to FIG. 6 , the userinterface 150 comprises a fluid-drawing detector 154 which detects whenthe user has drawn (e.g., puffed, inhaled, etc.) fluid through theoutlet 152. Fluid that can be drawn (e.g., puffed, inhaled, etc.) thoughthe outlet 152 may include vapor produced by the vapor producer 120and/or air or another gas or liquid contained within the electroniccigarette 100. For instance, in some cases, the fluid-drawing detector154, which can sometimes be referred to as an “inhaling detector” eventhough the user may sometimes merely puff without actually involving thelungs, may comprise a flow sensor (e.g., an airflow sensor) to sense aflow of fluid when the user draws (e.g., puffs, inhales, etc.) the fluidthrough the outlet 152. The fluid-drawing detector 154 outputs a signalto the controller 160, which processes this signal and consequentlyactivates the vaporizer 126 (e.g., turns on a heater therein).Activation of the vaporizer 126 can be done by issuing a signal (e.g., a“vaporize enable” signal) to the vaporizer 126. The vaporizer 126responds by vaporizing a portion of the liquid (that may have been drawnfrom the container 124, e.g., using a wicking material), producing vaporwhich can be brought into the user's mouth by continuing to draw (e.g.,puff, inhale, etc.) through the outlet 152. Should drawing (e.g.,puffing, inhaling, etc.) of the vapor cease, this may be detected by thefluid-drawing detector 154 and the controller 160 may responsivelycontrol the vaporizer 126 (e.g., by causing the heater to ceaseheating). The fluid-drawing detector 154 may be at or near the outlet152, or it may be disposed further along the housing 115, closer to thevaporizer 126.

The user interface 150 may be configured to interact in variousadditional ways with the user. For example, in some embodiments, theuser interface 150 may be configured to process (e.g., detect, decryptand/or decode) data received from the user via an input device 156 thatmay include one or more buttons or other input elements, which may bephysical or graphical (e.g., a touch-sensitive screen) and embedded intothe housing 115 of the electronic cigarette 100. As another example, insome embodiments, the user interface 150 may include suitable circuitryand/or software for controllably illuminating a tip of the electroniccigarette 100 as specified by the controller 160 (such as when vaping isin progress). As yet another example, in some embodiments, the userinterface 150 may be configured for outputting of information, includingpossible textual and/or graphical and/or video data, via a screen orother visual output device. As yet another example, in some embodiments,the user interface 150 may include a biometric sensor to sense abiometric feature of the user (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) in order toidentify and/or authenticate the user.

The controller 160 comprises suitable circuitry and/or software forsending signals to and receiving signals from other components of theelectronic cigarette 100 to which it is connected, including, in thisembodiment, the user interface 150, the power source 110, and the vaporproducer 120, in order to control operation of the electronic cigarette100.

In some embodiments, the control system 130 may also include acommunication interface 170 that may be connected to the controller 160and may include suitable circuitry and/or software for interacting withone or more external communication devices over one or morecommunication links. Thus, certain inputs received by the controller160, rather than being received via the user interface 150, can bereceived via the communication interface 170.

For instance, with additional reference to FIG. 7 , a communicationdevice 400 that is external to the electronic cigarette 100 may interactwith the electronic cigarette 100 over a communication link 440, whichmay be wireless, wired, or partly wireless and partly wired (e.g.,Bluetooth or other short-range or near-field wireless connection, WiFior other wireless LAN, WiMAX or other wireless WAN, cellular, UniversalSerial Bus (USB), etc.). For example, in some embodiments, thecommunication device 400 may be:

-   -   a smartphone or other wireless phone; a tablet computer; a        head-mounted display, smartwatch or other wearable device; or        any other communication device carried, worn or otherwise        associated with the user of the electronic cigarette 100 or        another individual proximate to the electronic cigarette 100;    -   a server or other computing apparatus (e.g., implementing a        website) associated with: a manufacturer of the electronic        cigarette 100; a government authority; a        retailer/distributor/vendor of the electronic cigarette 100; a        physician or other medical professional authorized to regulate        vaping on behalf of the user; a pharmacist or other dispensing        entity authorized to regulate vaping on behalf of the user; a        telecommunications provider (telco) or Internet Service Provider        (ISP) authorized to communicate with the electronic cigarette        100; or any other party who may have an interest in the        electronic cigarette 100 and/or its use;    -   another electronic cigarette with communication capabilities;    -   etc.

In some cases, such as where the communication device 400 is asmartphone, tablet, head-mounted display, smartwatch, or othercommunication device carried or worn by the user of the electroniccigarette 100, or even another electronic cigarette, communicationbetween the electronic cigarette 100 and the communication device 400may be direct, i.e., without any intermediate device. For instance, insome embodiments, this can be achieved by pairing (e.g., Bluetoothpairing) the electronic cigarette 100 with the communication device 400.

In other cases, such as where the communication device 400 is a serverremote from the electronic cigarette 100, communication between theelectronic cigarette 100 and the communication device 400 may beindirect, e.g., through one or more networks and/or one or moreadditional communication devices. For example, in some embodiments, theelectronic cigarette 100 may communicate with a WiFi hotspot or cellularbase station, which may provide access to a service provider andultimately the Internet or another network, thereby allowing theelectronic cigarette 100 and the communication device 400 to communicate(e.g., exchange information). As another example, m some embodiments,communication between the electronic cigarette 100 and the communicationdevice 400 may take place through a smartphone, tablet, head-mounteddisplay, smartwatch, or other communication device which is carried orworn by the user of the electronic cigarette 100 and which itself mayhave established communication with a WiFi hotspot or cellular basestation.

The electronic cigarette 100, including certain components mentionedherein, may be implemented in various ways. For example, in someembodiments, certain components of the electronic cigarette 100 may beimplemented as in a commercially available electronic cigarette such asv2cigs™ electronic cigarettes, which are described, for instance, on webpages available at http://www.v2cigs.com/ and incorporated by referenceherein, or as blu™ electronic cigarettes, which are described, forinstance, on web pages available athttp://www.blucigs.com/blu-starter-pack and hereby incorporated byreference herein, or as smokio™ electronic cigarettes, which aredescribed, for instance on web pages at http://www.smokio.com and herebyincorporated by reference herein. As another example, in someembodiments, certain components of the electronic cigarette 100 may beimplemented as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication2011/0265806, which is incorporated by reference herein.

I. Altering of Vapor-Providing Capability

In some embodiments, the controller 160 is configured to cause avapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100, i.e., acapability of the electronic cigarette 100 to provide vapor through theoutlet 152, to be altered in response to one or more events.

An event in response to which the controller 160 causes thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100 to bealtered, which will be referred to as a “local vapor-providingcapability alteration (VCA) event”, may include one or more conditionsbeing met (e.g., one or more circumstances having arisen) at theelectronic cigarette 100. Any or all of these one or more conditions maybe predefined or otherwise specified such that, when the one or moreconditions are met, the event is deemed to have occurred.

Detection that the one or more conditions are met at the electroniccigarette 100, and therefore detection of a local VCA event, may becarried out by the controller 160. This may be achieved based onprocessing of one or more inputs that may be received by the controller160. Examples of such inputs may include external inputs received viathe user interface 150 and/or the communication interface 170 and/orinternal inputs from various internal components (e.g., a clock, a GPSlocator, a battery, etc.) of the electronic cigarette 100.

When a local VCA event is detected, the controller 160 responds byeffecting a control action to alter the vapor-providing capability ofthe electronic cigarette 100.

For example, in some embodiments, the controller 160 may be configuredto cause the vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100to be disabled in response to a local VCA event other than (i.e.,different from) a manual shutdown of the electronic cigarette 100. Themanual shutdown of the electronic cigarette 100 is a process by which anindividual touches the electronic cigarette 100 in order to shut downthe electronic cigarette 100. This involves touching the user interface150 (e.g., a power button or one or more other control elements of theuser interface 150) at a predefined location or in accordance with apredefined technique that will cause the electronic cigarette 100 toshut down, or removing the battery 112 from the electronic cigarette 100to shut down the electronic cigarette 100.

For instance, in various embodiments, the controller 160 may beconfigured to cause the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100 to be disabled in response to an external control signalfrom the communication device 400 that is external to the electroniccigarette 100 (e.g., a “remote” disablement), or in response to one ormore conditions independent of user input, such as a time- and/orlocation-dependent condition, having arisen (e.g., an “automatic”disablement), as will be further discussed later.

Accordingly, when its vapor-providing capability is disabled by thecontroller 160, the electronic cigarette 100 will not provide vapordrawable through the outlet 152, even during a person's attempt to draw(e.g., puff, inhale, etc.) vapor through the outlet 152 while theelectronic cigarette 100 is powered on.

Causing the vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100to be disabled (even during an attempt to draw (e.g., puff, inhale,etc.) vapor through the outlet 152 while the electronic cigarette 100 isturned on) may be useful, for example:

-   -   to prevent or limit vaping by an individual (i.e., the user or        another person) who may not be authorized to vape the electronic        cigarette 100 or who may be subject to certain vaping        limitations. For instance, this may be useful to prevent a        child, teenager or other under-aged individual (e.g., who may        not be legally allowed to purchase or consume conventional        tobacco products or electronic cigarettes) from vaping the        electronic cigarette 100;    -   to prevent or limit vaping of the electronic cigarette 100 by        individuals in certain locations, at certain times, abiding to a        smoking cessation program, afflicted by a known medical        condition, and/or exhibiting an abnormal vaping pattern;    -   to notify the user of a status of the vapor producer 120 (e.g.,        almost empty, lacks nicotine, etc.); and/or    -   to notify the user of a context-dependent occurrence, which is        an occurrence whose meaning would be implicitly understood by        virtue of the user noticing that the vapor-providing capability        of the electronic cigarette 100 has been disabled.

The control action that can be effected by the controller 160 in orderto disable the vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette100 in response to a local VCA event may be implemented in several waysin various embodiments. For instance, the control action effected by thecontroller 160 in response to a local VCA event can be a signalingaction, such as transmission or non-transmission of an internal controlsignal to another component of the electronic cigarette 160. Forexample, in some embodiments, the control action effected by thecontroller 160 in response to a local VCA event may include:

-   -   Disabling the fluid-drawing detector 154. This would prevent the        issuance of a signal that would otherwise indicate that the user        has drawn (e.g., puffed, inhaled, etc.) through the outlet 152.        For instance, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8 , this may        be accomplished by way of a regulator 140 including an        electronic circuit device 142 which cuts off power to (i.e.,        disables) the fluid-drawing detector 154 when desired. Thus,        instead of being connected directly to the power source 110, the        fluid-drawing detector 154 is connected through the regulator        140. In some embodiments, the electrical circuit device 142 may        be an electrical switch, relay, fuse, circuit breaker, etc. for        altering supply of power from the power source 110 to one or        more components of the fluid-drawing detector 154. Other        electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, piezoelectric,        magnetic, electromagnetic or other suitable devices can be used        to disable the fluid-drawing detector 154;    -   Ignoring the signal received from the fluid-drawing detector        154. Equivalently, this amounts to refraining from sending a        vaporize enable signal to the vapor producer 120 during the        relevant circumstances, even if the controller 160 were to        detect from the fluid-drawing detector 154 that the user has        drawn (e.g., puffed, inhaled, etc.) through the outlet 152;    -   Cutting off power to one or more elements of the vapor producer        120. This would inhibit operation of the vapor producer 120 (and        prevent production of vapor), even if during this time the        controller 160 detects from the fluid-drawing detector 154 that        the user has drawn (e.g., puffed, inhaled, etc.) through the        outlet 152 and sends or attempts to send the vaporize enable        signal to the vapor producer 120. In this way, even if a        vaporize enable signal is sent to the vapor producer 120, no        vapor will be produced. For instance, as shown in FIG. 9 , in        some embodiments, instead of being connected directly to the        power source 110, the vapor producer 120 is connected through a        regulator 141 including an electrical circuit device 143 which        cuts off power to one or more components (e.g., a heater) of the        vapor producer 120. Other electrical, mechanical,        electromechanical, piezoelectric, magnetic, electromagnetic or        other suitable devices can be used to disable the vapor producer        120;    -   Preventing flow of vapor out through the outlet 152. This would        prevent vapor produced by the vapor producer 120 from flowing        out via the outlet 152 to the user, even if during this time the        controller 160 detects from the fluid-drawing detector 154 that        the user has drawn (e.g., puffed, inhaled, etc.) through the        outlet 152 and sends the vaporize enable signal to the vapor        producer 120. For instance, in some embodiments, as shown in        FIG. 10 , a regulator 144 may include a valve 145 (e.g., an        electrically-controlled valve) to prevent fluid flow within the        electronic cigarette 100, such as flow of the substance from the        container 124 and/or flow of vapor produced by the vapor        producer 120 out via the outlet 152; and/or    -   etc.

While in examples considered above an alteration of the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100 in response to a local VCAevent is a disablement of this vapor-providing capability, in otherembodiments, the controller 160 may be configured to cause thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100 to be alteredin other ways (e.g., reduced, enabled or increased) in response to alocal VCA event.

In some embodiments, the controller 160 implements an algorithm (e.g., aprogram) to effect a control action to alter the vapor-producingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100 in response to a local VCAevent. The algorithm can be encoded in a set of computer-readableinstructions executed by the controller 160 (e.g., by a processor of thecontroller 160). The computer-readable instructions may be stored in amemory embedded in the controller 160 or located externally thereto. Thealgorithm takes into account one or more stimuli, which can includeexternal inputs received via the user interface 150, external inputsreceived via the communication interface 170, and/or internal inputsfrom various internal components such as a clock, a GPS locator, abattery, etc.

For example, in some embodiments, the controller 160 implements analgorithm now described with additional reference to FIG. 11 .Specifically, at step 910, the controller 160 is attentive to receipt ofone or more inputs (e.g., external inputs received via the userinterface 150, external inputs received via the communication interface170, and/or internal inputs from various internal components such as aclock, a GPS locator, a battery, etc.). At step 920, the controller 160determines, based on one or more inputs that may (or may no longer) bereceived, whether one or more conditions (e.g., circumstances)indicative of a local VCA event have arisen. In the negative, thecontroller 160 returns to step 910. If it determines that one or moreconditions (e.g., circumstances) indicative of a local VCA event havearisen (e.g., one or more particular inputs or combinations of inputshave been received), the controller 160 proceeds to step 930, in whichcase the controller 160 effects the control action.

It should be appreciated that more than one set of one or moreconditions (e.g., circumstances) may be indicative of a local VCA eventhaving arisen, each causing the controller 160 to execute step 930 andeffect the control action.

In some cases, a local VCA event involves receipt of an explicit commandto alter the vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100.Specifically, as part of step 920, the controller 160 may verify whetheran external input received at step 910 via the user interface 150 and/orthe communication interface 170 is an “external VCA command”. As such,at step 920, the controller 160 processes and interprets the externalinputs received via the user interface 150 and/or the communicationinterface 170 and, if it is found that an external VCA command has beenreceived and that the receipt of the external VCA command (possiblyalong with one or more other circumstances having arisen at theelectronic cigarette 100) is such that a local VCA event is deemed tohave occurred, proceeds to step 930 to effect the control action.

The external VCA command may in some cases be received via the userinterface 150 and in other cases via the communication interface 170. Inthe case where the external VCA command is received via the userinterface 150, this may occur by the user manipulating a screen or viacertain dedicated buttons (e.g., other than a power switch). As such,the user's desire to alter the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100 is effectively translated into a VCA command.

In the case where the external VCA command is received via thecommunication interface 170, the external VCA command may in some casesoriginate from the communication device 400, which issues the VCAcommand in response to detection of a “remote VCA event”. The remote VCAevent may include one or more conditions being met (e.g., one or morecircumstances having arisen) outside the electronic cigarette 100,namely at the communication device 400.

Detection that the one or more conditions are met at the communicationdevice 400, and therefore detection of a remote VCA event, may becarried out by processing circuitry at the communication device 400running a program. The program may include a set of computer-readableinstructions stored in a memory embedded in the communication device 400or located externally thereto. The program takes into account one ormore stimuli. Examples of such stimuli may include external inputsreceived via a user interface and/or a communication interface of thecommunication device 400 and/or internal inputs from various internalcomponents (e.g., a clock, a GPS locator, a battery, etc.) of thecommunication device 400.

Thus, when the communication device 400 detects a remote VCA event, thecommunication device 400 responds by sending an external VCA command tothe electronic cigarette 100. Upon receipt at the electronic cigarette100, the external VCA command is interpreted by the controller 160 and,assuming that the receipt of the external VCA command (possibly alongwith one or more other circumstances having arisen at the electroniccigarette 100) is such that a local VCA event is deemed to haveoccurred, the controller 160 effects a control action to alter thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100.

Various techniques exist for providing the external VCA command via theuser interface 150 and/or the communication interface 170 including, forexample, those discussed below.

1—Direct

In the direct technique, the input device 156 of the user interface 150of the electronic cigarette 100 (e.g., including one or more buttons, atouch screen and/or any other input mechanism) allows the user todirectly enter the external VCA command into the electronic cigarette100. The input device 156 may in some cases allow the user to indicate:whether vaping is to be enabled; whether vaping is to be disabled, adegree of vaping to be permitted; and/or an increase or decrease inallowable vaping intensity. Additionally or alternatively, in somecases, the user may use the input device 156 in respect of a particularconstituent (e.g., nicotine, AWOL) that may be contained in the vapor,such as to indicate: whether the particular constituent is to becontained or not contained in the vapor; a degree of the particularconstituent to be contained in the vapor; and/or an increase or decreasein an amount of the particular constituent. Where multiple flavors areprovided, and where the electronic cigarette 100 includes a mechanismfor individually dispensing these flavors, flavorings may similarly becombined in different ratios on a customized basis.

2—Paired

In the paired technique, a specific communication device (or a group ofspecific communication devices) is paired with the electronic cigarette100, such that only signals received from the specific communicationdevice (or the group of specific communication devices) are recognizedas valid. The specific communication device can be a smartphone or othermobile phone, a tablet, a smart watch, head-mounted display or otherwearable device, etc., or even another electronic cigarette.

For example, in some embodiments, the user may download an application(app) from a repository (e.g., Apple's App Store, iTunes, Google Play,Android Market, etc.) onto the specific communication device that ispaired with the electronic cigarette 100. Upon activation of the app onthe specific communication device, the user may access certain featuresto control certain aspects of the electronic cigarette 100 (includingthe vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100) locallyon the specific communication device. This can be achieved by sending anexternal VCA command from the specific communication device to theelectronic cigarette 100. In addition, a data connection can beestablished over the Internet with a server of which executes acomplementary server-side application interacting with the app on thespecific communication device.

3—Addressed

In the addressed technique, the electronic cigarette 100 is assigned anetwork identifier, such as an IP address, and is able to communicateover a network with other devices having IP addresses. As such,knowledge of the electronic cigarette's IP address allows othernetworked devices to communicate with the electronic cigarette 100. Suchcommunication may include transmission of the external VCA command tothe electronic cigarette 100.

4—Out-of-Band

In the out-of-band technique, a communication channel is reserved foremergency or administrative use rather than data communication withother networked devices. For example, this could include a reservedfrequency (in the case of an FDMA system), a reserved multiplexing code(in the case of a CDMA system), a reserved time slot (in the case of aTDMA system), a reserved encryption key (in the case of a digitalsystem) or a reserved network identifier (e.g., IP address). This canallow operational control of the electronic cigarette 100 to beoverridden and controlled by an external entity, such as in an emergencyor where mandated by law. Thus, the external VCA command could be sentover the reserved communication channel.

In case 1 identified above, the external VCA command is provided by theuser at an instant chosen by the user.

In each of cases 2, 3 and 4 identified above, the external VCA commandis issued by a communication device that is external to the electroniccigarette 100 and conveyed via a communication link, which may bewireless, wired, or partly wireless and partly wired (e.g., Bluetooth,WiFi or other wireless LAN, WiMAX or other wireless WAN, cellular, USB,etc.), such as the communication device 400 and the communication link440 discussed above in connection with FIG. 7 . For example: in thepaired technique, the communication device 400 may be a smartphone orother mobile phone, a tablet, a smart watch, head-mounted display orother wearable device, or any other communication device that may becarried by the user, and the communication link 440 may a short-rangewireless link (e.g., Bluetooth) or a wired link (e.g., USB); in theaddressed technique, the communication device 400 may be a server orother computing apparatus or a smartphone or other mobile phone, atablet, a smart watch, head-mounted display or other wearable device, orany other communication device that may be carried by the user and thecommunication link 440 may be implemented by a data network such as theInternet over a wired connection and/or a wireless connection (e.g.,WiFi, WiMAX, cellular, etc.); and, in the out-of-band technique, thecommunication device 400 may be a server or other computing apparatusand the communication link 440 may be implemented over a wirelessconnection using, for instance, dedicated short-range communication(DSRC), IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth and CALM (Communications Access for LandMobiles), RFID, etc.

VCA events (whether local or remote) may be defined by one or moreconditions (e.g., circumstances) that may involve various factors,including, for example, one or more of:

-   -   an indication of a desire of the user to alter (e.g., enable,        disable, increase or decrease) the vapor-providing capability of        the electronic cigarette 100;    -   an identity of the user (e.g., to prevent any other individual        or any person not authorized to vape to use the electronic        cigarette 100);    -   a location of the electronic cigarette 100 (e.g., to prevent or        limit vaping m restaurants, movie theatres, hospitals and other        medical establishments, and other public places; airplanes,        trains, cars and other vehicles; etc.; and/or to prevent or        limit vaping when the electronic cigarette 100 is deemed to be        located not in proximity to the user);    -   time (e.g., to prevent or limit vaping at certain times of day        or other specified moments; and/or to prevent vaping after a        predetermined period has lapsed since the electronic cigarette        100 was last used to vape);    -   a smoking cessation program of the user (e.g., to prevent the        user from vaping more frequently, longer, etc. than permitted        under the smoking cessation program);    -   a medical condition of the user (e.g., to prevent or limit        vaping that could detrimentally affect the user's heath);    -   a manner in which the user draws on the outlet 152 of the        electronic cigarette 100, such as an abnormal vaping pattern        (e.g., vape inhalation duration or frequency);    -   a status of the container 124 of the vapor producer 120, such as        fill level (e.g., full, empty, remaining quantity, etc.) of the        container 124 (e.g., if almost empty, a first vape in a new        series of vapes can be restricted to remind the user that he/she        soon will need to change or replenish the container 124);    -   a refilling of a depletable resource of the electronic cigarette        100 (e.g., a recharging of the battery 112, a replacement of the        container 124 of the vapor producer 120, or a replenishing of        the substance contained in the container 124); and/or    -   a result or progression of game play on a game station in a        vicinity of the electronic cigarette 100 (e.g., to allow, enable        or facilitate vaping in an arcade or a casino in response to        game play, thereby to encourage customers to stay and continue        to play in the arcade or casino);    -   etc.

Examples of embodiments in which the controller 160 can cause thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100 to bedisabled or otherwise altered in response to a local VCA event will nowbe discussed. In particular, most of these examples will focus ondetection of remote VCA events by the communication device 400, followedby issuance of an external VCA command, followed by detection of a localVCA event (i.e., receipt of the external VCA command, possibly alongwith one or more other circumstances having arisen at the electroniccigarette 100), followed by altering of the vapor-providing capabilityof the electronic cigarette 100. However, it should be understood that asimilar description could be provided if, instead of detecting remoteVCA events at the communication device 400, one were to describedetecting equivalent local VCA events at the controller 160.

EXAMPLE 1

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12 , the communication device 400is a mobile communication device (e.g., a smartphone or other wirelessphone; a tablet computer; a head-mounted display, smartwatch or otherwearable device; etc.) of the user which runs a software application(e.g., a mobile app) that relates to the electronic cigarette 100 andmonitors user input through the user interface of the mobilecommunication device 400. The user input may indicate a desire of theuser to alter (e.g., enable, increase, disable, or decrease) thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100. The softwareapplication translates the user input into an external VCA command andtransmits the external VCA command to the electronic cigarette 100 overthe communication link 440, which is a wireless connection.

Upon receipt of the external VCA command by the communication interface170 of the electronic cigarette 100, the controller 160 processes theexternal VCA command and effects a control action in order to alter thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100 in accordancewith the user's desire. For instance, the controller 160 may send orrefrain from sending an internal control signal to the vapor producer120, the fluid-drawing detector 154, etc., to disable or otherwise alterthe vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100 inaccordance with the user's desire.

For instance, in various examples of situations, this may be useful forthe user to: enable the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100 when he/she wants to vape; disable the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100 when he/she does not want toor cannot vape; disable the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100 when he/she wants no one else to use the electroniccigarette 100 (e.g., if the electronic cigarette 100 is not withhim/her, is near a child, etc.); decrease or increase an amount of aconstituent (e.g., nicotine) of the vapor that can be vaped; etc.

EXAMPLE 2

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13 , the communication device 400is a mobile communication device (e.g., a smartphone or other wirelessphone; a tablet computer; a head-mounted display, smartwatch or otherwearable device; etc.) of the user which runs a software applicationthat relates to the electronic cigarette 100 and monitors a time of dayto disable the vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette100 during one or more predetermined periods (e.g., during normal workhours or sleep hours of the user). When the software applicationdetermines that a predetermined period during which the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100 is to be disabled hasarrived, it transmits an external VCA command to the electroniccigarette 100 over the communication link 440, which is a wirelessconnection.

Upon receipt of the external VCA command by the communication interface170 of the electronic cigarette 100, the controller 160 processes theexternal VCA command and effects a control action in order to disablethe vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100. Forinstance, the controller 160 may send or refrain from sending aninternal control signal to the vapor producer 120, the fluid-drawingdetector 154, etc., to disable the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100.

Conversely, when the software application determines that thepredetermined period during which the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100 is to be disabled is over, it transmits anotherexternal VCA command to the electronic cigarette 100 over the wirelessconnection 440. In response to this external VCA command, the controller160 effects a control action in order to enable the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100. For instance, the controller160 may send an internal control signal to the vapor producer 120, thefluid-drawing detector 154, etc., to enable the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100.

In a variant, m some embodiments, the software application running onthe mobile communication device 400 may send an external VCA command tothe electronic cigarette 100 to enable the vapor-providing capability ofthe electronic cigarette 100 when it determines that a predeterminedperiod during which the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100 is to be enabled has arrived.

For instance, in various examples of situations, this may be useful toprevent vaping of the electronic cigarette 100 by the user duringperiods that the user cannot or should not vape, prevent vaping of theelectronic cigarette 100 by an individual (e.g., a child) not authorizedto vape the electronic cigarette 100 during periods of time when theuser is unlikely to be in a position to be able to prevent suchunauthorized vaping; etc.

EXAMPLE 3

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14 , the communication device 400is a mobile communication device (e.g., a smartphone or other wirelessphone; a tablet computer; a head-mounted display, smartwatch or otherwearable device; etc.) of the user which runs a software applicationthat relates to the electronic cigarette 100 and that monitors aproximity of the mobile communication device 400 to the electroniccigarette 100 in order to disable the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100 when the electronic cigarette 100 is deemed tono longer be proximate enough to the mobile communication device 400,which is presumed to be with the user. It should be appreciated thatproximity may be assessed in various ways, such as by comparing theactual location of the mobile communication device 400 to that of theelectronic cigarette 100, or by detecting a distance (e.g., based onsignal strength, signal travel time, etc.) between the mobilecommunication device 400 and the electronic cigarette 100, to name a fewpossibilities. Thus, when the software application determines that themobile communication device 400 and the electronic cigarette 100 are notwithin a specified distance (e.g., 1 or 2 m) from one another, themobile communication device 400 sends an external VCA command to theelectronic cigarette 100 over the communication link 440, which is awireless connection, in order to disable vaping.

Upon receipt of the external VCA command by the communication interface170 of the electronic cigarette 100, the controller 160 processes theexternal VCA command and effects a control action in order to disablethe vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100. Forinstance, the controller 160 may send or refrain from sending aninternal control signal to the vapor producer 120, the fluid-drawingdetector 154, etc., to disable the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100.

In a variant, m some embodiments, the software application running onthe mobile communication device 400 may send an external VCA command tothe electronic cigarette 100 to enable the vapor-providing capability ofthe electronic cigarette 100 when it determines that the mobilecommunication device 400 and the electronic cigarette 100 are within aspecified distance from one another.

For instance, in various examples of situations, this may be useful toprevent vaping of the electronic cigarette 100 by any individual whenthe electronic cigarette 100 is presumably not near the user (assumingthat the mobile communication device 400 is carried by the user), whichmay deter unauthorized use (e.g., by a child) or theft of the electroniccigarette 100. In other situations, if the user experiences a suddeninability to draw vapor, this may alert the user to the potential thathe/she has misplaced the mobile communication device 400 or that it hasbeen stolen.

EXAMPLE 4

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15 , the communication device 400is a mobile communication device (e.g., a smartphone or other wirelessphone; a tablet computer; a head-mounted display, smartwatch or otherwearable device; etc.) of the user which runs a software applicationthat monitors usage of the electronic cigarette 100 (e.g., a vapingpattern) and disables the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100 when a certain amount of time (e.g., 2 minutes) haselapsed since the last vape. To that end, the controller 160 of theelectronic cigarette 100 may monitor vaping activity (e.g., maintain avaping log noting times at which vapes occur based on inputs from thefluid-drawing detector 154) and the communication interface 170 mayrepeatedly (e.g., periodically) transmit a signal indicative of thevaping activity to the mobile communication device 400 over thecommunication link 440, which is a wireless connection. Based on thereceived signal indicative of the vaping activity, when the softwareapplication running on the mobile communication device 400 determinesthat a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last vape, themobile communication device 400 sends an external VCA command to theelectronic cigarette 100 over the wireless connection 440 in order todisable vaping.

Upon receipt of the external VCA command by the communication interface170 of the electronic cigarette 100, the controller 160 processes theexternal VCA command and effects a control action in order to disablethe vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100. Forinstance, the controller 160 may send or refrain from sending aninternal control signal to the vapor producer 120, the fluid-drawingdetector 154, etc., to disable the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100.

When the user desires to once again vape the electronic cigarette 100,he/she may interact with the user interface of the mobile communicationdevice 400 in order to provide user input to enable the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100. For instance, in someembodiments, the software application running on the mobilecommunication device may provide an option (e.g., via a button or othercontrol element) selectable by the user to enable the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100. In some cases, the user maybe required to input credentials (e.g., a password) to authenticatehimself/herself. In response to receiving user input indicative of theuser's desire to enable the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100, the mobile communication device 400 sends an external VCAcommand to the electronic cigarette 100 over the wireless connection 440in order to enable vaping.

Upon receipt of the external VCA command by the communication interface170 of the electronic cigarette 100, the controller 160 processes theexternal VCA command and effects a control action in order to enable thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100. Forinstance, the controller 160 may send an internal control signal to thevapor producer 120, the fluid-drawing detector 154, etc., to enable thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100.

For instance, in various examples of situations, this may be useful toprevent vaping of the electronic cigarette 100 by any individual whenthe electronic cigarette 100 has not been vaped by the user for sometime, which may deter unauthorized use (e.g., by a child) or theft ofthe electronic cigarette 100.

EXAMPLE 5

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16 , the communication device 400is a server associated with a vaping-prohibited area 600 of a particularsite, such as an airport, airplane, hospital, restaurant, school, movietheater, train, subway, bus, rental car, or other public place orvehicle, etc. and issues an external VCA command to disable thevapor-providing capability of any electronic cigarette in range of awireless transmitter 420 located in or near the vaping-prohibited area600 and implementing part of the communication link 440, which includesa wireless connection. To that end, controllers of electronic cigarettessuch as the controller 160 of the electronic cigarette 100 areconfigured to recognize the external VCA command as a command to disablevaping of the electronic cigarette. The external VCA command may berepeatedly or continually issued so as to ensure that electroniccigarettes that newly enter the vicinity of the vaping-prohibited area600 will receive the external VCA command. In some cases, the server 400may be located at the vaping-prohibited area 600, along with thewireless transmitter 420 (e.g., which may be part of the server 400 orphysically separate from and connected to the server 400). In othercases, the server 400 may be located remotely from the vaping-prohibitedarea 600 and connected to the wireless transmitter 420 over thecommunication link 440.

Thus, when the electronic cigarette 100 enters the vaping-prohibitedarea 600 and becomes within range of the wireless transmitter 420, theexternal VCA command is received by the communication interface 170 ofthe electronic cigarette 100. The controller 160 processes the externalVCA command and effects a control action in order to disable thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100. Forinstance, the controller 160 may send or refrain from sending aninternal control signal to the vapor producer 120, the fluid-drawingdetector 154, etc., to disable the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100. As long as the electronic cigarette 100continues to receive the external VCA command from the wirelesstransmitter 420, the controller 160 maintains the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100 disabled.

Conversely, when the electronic cigarette 100 subsequently leaves thevaping-prohibited area 600 and becomes out of range of the wirelesstransmitter 420, the external VCA command ceases to be received by thecommunication interface 170 of the electronic cigarette 100. Thecontroller 160 detects this absence of receipt of the external VCAcommand (e.g., the external VCA command has not been received for apredetermined period of time, such as 30 seconds for instance) andeffects a control action in order to enable the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100. For instance, the controller160 may send an internal control signal to the vapor producer 120, thefluid-drawing detector 154, etc., to enable the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100.

For instance, in various examples of situations, this may be useful toprevent vaping of any electronic cigarette such as the electroniccigarette 100 where vaping is not permitted. In various other examplesof situations, this may be useful to prevent vaping of any electroniccigarette such as the electronic cigarette 100 where vaping isundesirable (e.g., to avoid inconveniencing or adversely affecting otherindividuals who are or could subsequently be located there).

EXAMPLE 6

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17 , the communication device 400is a server which runs a software application that monitors locations ofelectronic cigarettes and issues an external VCA command to disable thevapor-providing capability of any electronic cigarette found within acertain distance of a vaping-prohibited area 610 whose location isknown, such as a recorded landmark (e.g., an airport, hospital,restaurant, school, etc.), a vehicle whose location is tracked (e.g., anairplane, public transit vehicle, rental car, etc.), etc., via thecommunication link 440, which includes a wireless connection. In someexamples, the electronic cigarettes may be equipped with an addressingscheme (e.g., an IP address) to allow them to respond to commandsdirected specifically to them.

The location of the electronic cigarette 100 may be determined by theserver 400 in any suitable way.

For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18 , the location ofthe electronic cigarette 100 may be derived from a signal transmitted bythe electronic cigarette 100 itself. For instance, the electroniccigarette 100 may comprise a locator 180 (e.g., a GPS locator) whichemits a wireless signal allowing the location of the electroniccigarette 100 to be identified.

As another example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 ,the electronic cigarette 100 may be paired with a mobile communicationdevice 450 (e.g., a smartphone or other wireless phone; a tabletcomputer; a head-mounted display, smartwatch or other wearable device;etc.) that is carried or worn by the user of the electronic cigarette100 and that includes a locator (e.g., a GPS locator) which emits awireless signal allowing a location of the mobile communication device450 to be identified, thereby allowing the location of the electroniccigarette 100 to be inferred (assuming the electronic cigarette 100 isin the vicinity of the mobile communication device 450). In some cases,as shown in FIG. 19 , the mobile communication device 450 may be usedonly for locating the electronic cigarette 100, without being used toconvey the external VCA command from the server 400 to the electroniccigarette 100 (i.e., the mobile communication device 450 is not part ofthe communication link 440). In other cases, as shown in FIG. 20 , themobile communication device 450 may be used both to locate theelectronic cigarette 100 and to convey the external VCA command from theserver 400 to the electronic cigarette 100 (i.e., the mobilecommunication device 450 is part of the communication link 440,basically acting as a relay). In these cases, the mobile communicationdevice 450 may execute a software application to interact with theserver 400 over a communication link, which may be implemented by thecommunication link 440 or a different communication link, and the server400 maintains an association between the mobile communication device 450and the electronic cigarette 100 (e.g., in a database associatingidentifiers (e.g., serial numbers, IP addresses, etc.) of electroniccigarettes with corresponding identifiers (e.g., serial numbers, IPaddresses, phone numbers, etc.) of mobile communication devices).

The location of the vaping-prohibited area 610 may be known to theserver 400 in any suitable way. For example, the server 400 may haveaccess to a database maintaining locations of vaping-prohibited areas,which may be derived from maps, vehicle-tracking systems, etc.

Thus, when the server 400 determines, based on the location of theelectronic cigarette 100 and the location of the vaping-prohibited area610, that the electronic cigarette 100 enters the vaping-prohibited area610, the external VCA command is transmitted by the server 400 andreceived by the communication interface 170 of the electronic cigarette100. The controller 160 processes the external VCA command and effects acontrol action in order to disable the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100. For instance, the controller 160 may send orrefrain from sending an internal control signal to the vapor producer120, the fluid-drawing detector 154, etc., to disable thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100. As long asthe location of the electronic cigarette 100 and the location of thevaping-prohibited area 610 indicates that the electronic cigarette 100is located at the vaping-prohibited area 610, the controller 160maintains the vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100disabled.

Conversely, when the server 400 determines, based on the location of theelectronic cigarette 100 and the location of the vaping-prohibited area610, that the electronic cigarette 100 leaves the vaping-prohibited area610, the server 400 transmits an external VCA command to the electroniccigarette 100 in order to enable the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100. Once the external VCA command is received bythe communication interface 170 of the electronic cigarette 100, thecontroller 160 processes this external VCA command and effects a controlaction in order to enable the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100. For instance, the controller 160 may send aninternal control signal to the vapor producer 120, the fluid-drawingdetector 154, etc., to enable the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100.

For instance, in various examples of situations, this may be useful toprevent vaping of any electronic cigarette such as the electroniccigarette 100 where vaping is not permitted or is undesirable (e.g., toavoid inconveniencing or adversely affecting other individuals who areor could subsequently be located there), and where the location and/orsize of the vaping-prohibited area 610 can be configured.

EXAMPLE 7

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 21 , the communication device 400is a mobile communication device (e.g., a smartphone or other wirelessphone; a tablet computer; a head-mounted display, smartwatch or otherwearable device; etc.) of the user which runs a software applicationthat relates to the electronic cigarette 100 and that monitors alocation of the mobile communication device 400, and thus a location ofthe electronic cigarette 100 (assuming the electronic cigarette 100 isin the vicinity of the mobile communication device 400), in order todisable the vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100when the electronic cigarette 100 is deemed to be within a certaindistance of a vaping-prohibited area 620 whose location is known, suchas a recorded landmark (e.g., an airport, hospital, restaurant, school,etc.), a vehicle whose location is tracked (e.g., an airplane, publictransit vehicle, rental car, etc.), etc.

The mobile communication device 400 includes a locator (e.g., a GPSlocator) which emits a wireless signal allowing the location of themobile communication device 400 to be identified, thereby allowing thelocation of the electronic cigarette 100 to be inferred (assuming theelectronic cigarette 100 is in the vicinity of the mobile communicationdevice 400).

The location of the vaping-prohibited area 620 may be known to themobile communication device 400 in any suitable way. For example, thesoftware application running on the mobile communication device 400 mayhave access to a database maintaining locations of vaping-prohibitedareas, which may be derived from maps, vehicle-tracking systems, etc.

When the mobile communication device 400 determines, based on thelocation of the electronic cigarette 100 and the location of thevaping-prohibited area 620, that the electronic cigarette 100 enters thevaping-prohibited area 620, the mobile communication device 400transmits an external VCA command to the electronic cigarette 100 overthe communication link 440, which includes a wireless connection, todisable the vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100.

Upon the external VCA command being received by the communicationinterface 170 of the electronic cigarette 100, the controller 160processes the external VCA command and effects a control action in orderto disable the vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette100. For instance, the controller 160 may send or refrain from sendingan internal control signal to the vapor producer 120, the fluid-drawingdetector 154, etc., to disable the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100. As long as the location of the electroniccigarette 100 and the location of the vaping-prohibited area 620indicates that the electronic cigarette 100 is located at thevaping-prohibited area 620, the controller 160 maintains thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100 disabled.

Conversely, when the software application running on the mobilecommunication device 400 determines, based on the location of theelectronic cigarette 100 and the location of the vaping-prohibited area620, that the electronic cigarette 100 leaves the vaping-prohibited area620, the mobile communication device 400 transmits an external VCAcommand to the electronic cigarette 100 in order to enable thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100. Once theexternal VCA command is received by the communication interface 170 ofthe electronic cigarette 100, the controller 160 processes this externalVCA command and effects a control action in order to enable thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100. Forinstance, the controller 160 may send an internal control signal to thevapor producer 120, the fluid-drawing detector 154, etc., to enable thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100.

For instance, in various examples of situations, this may be useful toprevent vaping of any electronic cigarette such as the electroniccigarette 100 where vaping is not permitted or undesirable (e.g., toavoid inconveniencing or adversely affecting other individuals who areor could subsequently be located there).

EXAMPLE 8

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 22 , the communication device 400is a mobile communication device (e.g., a smartphone or other wirelessphone; a tablet computer; a head-mounted display, smartwatch or otherwearable device; etc.) of the user which runs a software applicationthat relates to the electronic cigarette 100 and that obtainsauthorization information 700 from the user and enables thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100 if itdetermines that the authorization information 700 is valid andindicative of the user being authorized to vape. The user can interactwith the user interface of the mobile communication device 400 toprovide the authorization information 700 and, if the softwareapplication determines that the authorization information 700 is valid,the mobile communication device 400 issues an external VCA command tothe electronic cigarette 100 over the communication link 440, whichincludes a wireless connection, in order to enable the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100.

For example, in some embodiments, the authorization information 700 maycomprise an identifier, such as an alphanumeric identifier (e.g., apasscode) or a biometric identifier. As another example, in otherembodiments, the authorization information 700 may comprise any otherinformation that is deemed to establish that the user is authorized tovape the electronic cigarette 100. For instance, in some cases, theauthorization information 700 may include an indication of the user'sage (e.g., a response to a request presented on the user interface ofthe mobile communication device 400 and prompting the user to indicatehis/her age or confirm that he/she is at least of a certain age; ananswer to a question presented on the user interface of the mobilecommunication device 400 to verify the user's age, etc.).

Of course, the mobile communication device 400 may provide the requisiteconfirmations/authentications by comparing the authenticationinformation 700 provided by the user to previously-collected informationstored in a memory. Alternatively, the mobile communication device 400may send the authentication information 700 (or a subset thereof) to aremote server (e.g., a web server) for authentication, which may beparticularly useful when a third party is to have an influence on theuser's ability to vape.

EXAMPLE 9

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12 , the communication device 400is a mobile communication device (e.g., a smartphone or other wirelessphone; a tablet computer; a head-mounted display, smartwatch or otherwearable device; etc.) of the user which runs a software application(e.g., a mobile app) that relates to the electronic cigarette 100. Thesoftware application may interface with various communication utilities(including social networking/media accounts) for the user installed onthe mobile communication device 400. The software application may beresponsive to one or more messages (e.g., received from specificindividuals and/or having specific content) to send an external VCAcommand to the electronic cigarette 100 over the communication link 440,which is a wireless connection. Accordingly, the external VCA commandmay specify whether the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100 is to be disabled, enabled, increased (and possibly alsoby how much), decreased (and possibly also by how much), etc.

Upon receipt of the external VCA command by the communication interface170 of the electronic cigarette 100, the controller 160 processes theexternal VCA command and effects a control action in order to alter thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100 in accordancewith what was specified in the external VCA command. As a result, thecontroller 160 may send or refrain from sending an internal controlsignal to the vapor producer 120, the fluid-drawing detector 154, etc.,to disable or otherwise alter the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100.

In some embodiments, this degree of alteration of the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100 may be related to, forexample, the originator or content of the received message(s). Thus, forexample, the user may specify in the mobile app that when an email isreceived from John Smith, the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100 is to be disabled. Consequently, when the useris attempting to vape the electronic cigarette 100 and is unsuccessfulin drawing vapor despite seemingly normal operation of the electroniccigarette 100, the surprise absence of vapor may signal to the user thepossibility that a message from John Smith may have been received.

EXAMPLE 10

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 23 , the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100 may be altered (e.g.,disabled) upon refilling a depletable resource 184 of the electroniccigarette 100, such as upon recharging the battery 112 or upon replacingthe container 124 of the vapor producer 120 or replenishing thesubstance contained in the container 124. To that end, the controller160 of the electronic cigarette 100 may monitor the depletable resource184 of the electronic cigarette 100 and, when it determines that thedepletable resource 184 is being refilled, may effect a control actionto alter (e.g., disable) the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100. The controller 160 may then, upon detecting alocal VCA event (i.e., receipt of an external VCA command and/or one ormore other circumstances having arisen at the electronic cigarette 100),effect another control action to once again alter (e.g., enable) thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100. This may beuseful, for instance, to reduce a potential for prolonged unauthorizeduse of the electronic cigarette 100 without burdening an authorized userwith having to take steps (e.g., provide a password or other identifier)to establish his/her authorized use of the electronic cigarette 100every time the electronic cigarette 100 is used.

For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 24 , the depletableresource 184 of the electronic cigarette 100 may be the battery 184 suchthat the controller 160 of the electronic cigarette 100 monitors thebattery 112 and, when it determines that the battery 112 is beingrecharged, effects a control action to disable the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100. The battery 184 may berecharged using a charge source 192. For instance, in this embodiment,the charge source 192 may be implemented by a computer 194 to which thepower source 110 of the electronic cigarette 100 may be connected via acable 198 (e.g., a USB cable). The charge source 192 may be implementedin any other suitable way in other embodiments (e.g., by an electricoutlet of a wall, by an inductive charging device, etc.).

When connected to the computer 194, the electronic cigarette 100recharges the battery 184 and, upon detecting this recharging operation,the controller 160 of the electronic cigarette 100 effects a controlaction in order to disable the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100. For instance, the controller 160 may send orrefrain from sending an internal control signal to the vapor producer120, the fluid-drawing detector 154, etc., to disable thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100.

The controller 160 of the electronic cigarette 100 may then be attentiveto detection of a local VCA event in order to enable the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100. In various embodiments, thecontroller 100 may be attentive to receipt of one or more inputsreceived via the user interface 150 and/or the communication interface170 and/or internal inputs from various internal components (e.g., aclock, a GPS locator, a battery, etc.) of the electronic cigarette 100in order to detect a local VCA event indicating that the vapor-producingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100 is to be enabled.

For instance, in some embodiments, the controller 160 of the electroniccigarette 100 may be attentive to receipt of an external VCA commandfrom the computer 194 to which the electronic cigarette 100 is connectedin order to enable the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100.

For example, in some embodiments, while the electronic cigarette 100 isconnected to it, the computer 194 may prompt the user to inputauthorization information 750 to establish that the user is authorizedto use the electronic cigarette 100. The computer 194 may run a softwareapplication that relates to the electronic cigarette 100 and thatdisplays a message prompting the user to input the authorizationinformation 750 via a user interface of the computer 194. As an example,the authorization information 750 may comprise an identifier, such as analphanumeric identifier (e.g., a passcode) or a biometric identifier. Asanother example, the authorization information 750 may comprise anyother information that is deemed to establish that the user isauthorized to vape the electronic cigarette 100. For instance, in somecases, the authorization information 750 may include an indication ofthe user's age (e.g., a response to a request presented on the userinterface of the computer 194 and prompting the user to indicate his/herage or confirm that he/she is at least of a certain age; an answer to aquestion presented on the user interface of the computer 194 to verifythe user's age, etc.).

If the software application running on the computer 194 determines thatthe authorization information 750 provided by the user is valid, thecomputer 194 issues an external VCA command to the electronic cigarette100 in order to enable the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100. The external VCA command may be transmitted from thecomputer 194 to the electronic cigarette 100 via the cable 198interconnecting them or a wireless connection (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, orother wireless connection) interconnecting them. In some cases, thecomputer 194 may validate the authorization information 750 by comparingit to previously-collected information stored in a memory. In othercases, the computer 194 may send the authentication information 750 to aremote server (e.g., a web server) for validation.

In response to the external VCA command issued by the computer 194, thecontroller 160 of the electronic cigarette 100 effects a control actionin order to enable the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100. For instance, the controller 160 may send an internalcontrol signal to the vapor producer 120, the fluid-drawing detector154, etc., to enable the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100.

In a variant, m some embodiments, instead of itself validating theauthorization information 750 provided by the user, the computer 194 mayrelay the authorization information 750 to the controller 160 of theelectronic cigarette 100 (e.g., via the cable 198 or wireless connectioninterconnecting them) and the controller 160 can determine whether theauthorization information 750 is valid and, if so, effect a controlaction in order to enable the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100.

In other embodiments, the authorization information 750 to establishthat the user is authorized to use the electronic cigarette 100 may beprovided in any other suitable way upon recharging of the battery 112with the charge source 192, including without using the charge source192 itself.

For example, in some embodiments, the authorization information 750 maybe provided via the user interface 150 of the electronic cigarette 100(e.g., using one or more buttons or other input elements of the inputdevice 156, a particular pattern of drawing on the outlet 152 of theelectronic cigarette 100, a biometric sensor, etc.), while theelectronic cigarette 100 is connected to the charge source 192 or afterthe electronic cigarette 100 has been disconnected from the chargesource 192. The controller 160 of the electronic cigarette 100 may, uponvalidating the authorization information 750 provided by the user viathe user interface 150, effect a control action in order to enable thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100.

As another example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 25 , theauthorization information 750 may be provided via the mobilecommunication device 400 (e.g., a smartphone or other wireless phone; atablet computer; a head-mounted display, smartwatch or other wearabledevice; etc.) of the user which runs a software application (e.g., amobile app) that relates to the electronic cigarette 100, while theelectronic cigarette 100 is connected to the charge source 192 or afterthe electronic cigarette 100 has been disconnected from the chargesource 192. This may be useful in situations where an individualrecharging the electronic cigarette 100 is not authorized to vape theelectronic cigarette 100 since, although he/she may have access to theelectronic cigarette 100 and the charge source 192, this individual maynot have access to the mobile communication device 400.

For instance, while the electronic cigarette 100 is connected to thecharge source 192 or upon disconnection of the electronic cigarette 100from the charge source 192, the controller 160 of the electroniccigarette 100 may send a wireless signal to the mobile communicationdevice 400 to cause the mobile communication device 400 to prompt theuser to input the authorization information via the mobile communicationdevice 400. If the software application running on the mobilecommunication device 400 determines that the authorization informationprovided by the user is valid, the mobile communication device 400issues an external VCA command to the electronic cigarette 100 in orderto enable the vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette100. Upon receipt of this external VCA command, the controller 160 ofthe electronic cigarette 100 can effect a control action in order toenable the vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100.

Similar to what is discussed above in respect of recharging the battery112 of the electronic cigarette 100, in other embodiments, thedepletable resource 184 of the electronic cigarette 100 may be thecontainer 124 of the vapor producer 120 or the substance contained inthe container 124 such that the controller 160 of the electroniccigarette 100 monitors the container 124 or the substance contained inthe container 124 and, when it determines that the container 124 isbeing replaced or the substance contained in the container 124 is beingreplenished, effects a control action to disable the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100. The controller 160 may thenbe attentive to detection of a local VCA event (e.g., receipt of anexternal VCA command or the authorization information 750 from the userinterface 150 of the electronic cigarette 100 or the mobilecommunication device 400) in order to enable the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100.

EXAMPLE 11

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 26 , the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100 may be altered (e.g.,enabled, disabled, etc.) based on a detectable pattern of drawing 820 onthe outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100 by the user, i.e., adetectable manner in which the user draws on the outlet 152 of theelectronic cigarette 100.

For example, in some embodiments, the controller 160 of the electroniccigarette 100 may be responsive to the detectable pattern of drawing 820on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100 to enable thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100. Thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100 may bedisabled by default (e.g., after a period of time such as 5 or 10minutes following a last time it was used for vaping) and enabled whenthe controller 160 detects the detectable pattern of drawing 820 on theoutlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100. The user may thus performthe detectable pattern of drawing 820 on the outlet 152 of theelectronic cigarette 100 to “unlock” the electronic cigarette 100. Inthat sense, the detectable pattern of drawing 820 can be viewed as afluid-drawing (e.g., inhalation) “passcode” to be carried out by theuser in order to be able to vape the electronic cigarette 100.

The detectable pattern of drawing 820 on the outlet 152 of theelectronic cigarette 100 constituting the fluid-drawing passcode refersto a pattern of puffs or other draws on the outlet 152 of the electroniccigarette 100 that is detectable by the controller 160 to cause thecontroller 160 to enable the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100. For instance, the detectable pattern ofdrawing 820 constituting the fluid-drawing passcode may be a series ofrapid draws within a short period of time (e.g., three quick puffswithin one second), a sequence of longer and shorter puffs within agiven period of time (e.g., one long puff followed by two quick puffswithin two seconds), or any other suitable detectable pattern of puffsor other draws on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100.

The controller 160 monitors inputs received from the fluid-drawingdetector 154, which detects when the user draws (e.g., puffs, inhales,etc.) fluid through the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100, inorder to detect the detectable pattern of drawing 820 on the outlet 152of the electronic cigarette 100 constituting the fluid-drawing passcodeif and when it is performed. These inputs may be indicative ofparameters of each draw on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette100, such as a duration of the draw (e.g., how long a pressuredifferential is sensed by the fluid-drawing detector 154), an intensityof the draw (e.g., a magnitude of the pressure differential sensed bythe fluid-drawing detector 154 during the draw), a variation of theintensity of the draw over the duration of the draw (e.g., a pressurevs. time function for the draw), etc. The controller 160 may comparethis to information stored in a memory that defines the detectablepattern of drawing 820 on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100which is to be recognized by the controller 160 in order to unlock theelectronic cigarette 100.

Upon detecting the detectable pattern of drawing on the outlet 152 ofthe electronic cigarette 100 constituting the fluid-drawing passcode,the controller 160 effects a control action in order to enable thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100. Forinstance, the controller 160 may send an internal control signal to thevapor producer 120, the fluid-drawing detector 154, etc., to enable thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100.

Once the user is done vaping the electronic cigarette 100, thecontroller 160 may determine, based on its monitoring of thefluid-drawing detector 154, that no draw (e.g., inhalation, etc.) on theoutlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100 has occurred in a certainperiod of time (e.g., 5 or 10 minutes) and may thus effect a controlaction to disable the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100. For instance, the controller 160 may send or refrain fromsending an internal control signal to the vapor producer 120, thefluid-drawing detector 154, etc., to disable the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100.

The detectable pattern of drawing 820 on the outlet 152 of theelectronic cigarette 100 constituting the fluid-drawing passcode that isused to unlock the electronic cigarette 100 may be specified in anysuitable way.

For example, in some embodiments, the detectable pattern of drawing 820on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100 constituting thefluid-drawing passcode may be specified by a legitimate user (e.g., anowner) of the electronic cigarette 100. In other words, thefluid-drawing passcode to unlock the electronic cigarette 100 may bechosen by the electronic cigarette's legitimate user, which may allowpersonalization or customization of this passcode. For instance, thelegitimate user may interact with the user interface 150 of theelectronic cigarette 100 (e.g., using one or more buttons or other inputelements of the input device 156) to put the controller 160 in a mode inwhich it observes inputs received from the fluid-drawing detector 164while the legitimate user draws on the outlet 152 of the electroniccigarette 100 in a way that defines the detectable pattern of drawing820 to be subsequently recognized by the controller 160 as thefluid-drawing passcode to unlock the electronic cigarette 100. Theseinputs may be indicative of parameters of each draw on the outlet 152 ofthe electronic cigarette 100, such as a duration of the draw (e.g., howlong a pressure differential is sensed by the fluid-drawing detector154), an intensity of the draw (e.g., a magnitude of the pressuredifferential sensed by the fluid-drawing detector 154 during the draw),a variation of the intensity of the draw over the duration of the draw(e.g., a pressure vs. time function for the draw), etc., that definesthe detectable pattern of drawing 820 to be subsequently recognized bythe controller 160.

As another example, in some embodiments, the detectable pattern ofdrawing 820 on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100constituting the fluid-drawing passcode that is used to unlock theelectronic cigarette 100 may be specified by a manufacturer of theelectronic cigarette 100. For instance, the detectable pattern ofdrawing 820 on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100 that is tobe recognized by the controller 820 may be defined in terms ofparameters of each draw that are stored in memory (e.g., a duration ofthe draw, an intensity of the draw, a variation of the intensity of thedraw over the duration of the draw, etc.) by the manufacturer. Thedetectable pattern of drawing 820 on the outlet 152 of the electroniccigarette 100 may be conveyed to an owner of the electronic cigarette100, such as by providing a description of the detectable pattern ofdrawing 820 to be performed to the owner (e.g., as part of documentationprovided in packaging of the electronic cigarette 100, by directing theowner to a webpage which provides the description upon entering a serialnumber or other identifier associated with the electronic cigarette 100,etc.).

In other embodiments, the detectable pattern of drawing 820 on theoutlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100 that is detectable by thecontroller 160 to alter (e.g., enable, disable, etc.) thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100 may be avaping “signature” that identifies a legitimate user (e.g., an owner) ofthe electronic cigarette 100. When it determines that a manner ofdrawing on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100 does notcorrespond to the vaping signature, i.e., does not correspond to thedetectable pattern of drawing 820 on the outlet 152 of the electroniccigarette 100, the controller 160 proceeds to disable thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100. In otherwords, the controller 160 maintains the electronic cigarette 100“unlocked” for vaping as long as it detects the vaping signature but“locks” the electronic cigarette 100 to prevent further vaping when itceases to or otherwise does not detect the vaping signature. Anindividual who is not the legitimate user identified by the vapingsignature recognized by the controller 160 is therefore unlikely to beable to enjoy a prolonged use of the electronic cigarette 100.

The detectable pattern of drawing 820 on the outlet 152 of theelectronic cigarette 100 constituting the vaping signature refers to apattern of puffs or other draws on the outlet 152 of the electroniccigarette 100 that is detectable by the controller 160 to cause thecontroller 160 to maintain the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100 enabled. For instance, the detectable patternof drawing 820 constituting the vaping signature may be a series ofdraws of certain durations and/or intensities within a given period oftime (e.g., 20 puffs each between 0.6 and 1.2 seconds within an intervalof three minutes), a sequence of longer and shorter puffs within a givenperiod of time (e.g., one long puff followed by a shorter puffs withinan interval of 30 seconds), or any other suitable detectable pattern ofpuffs or other draws on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100.

The controller 160 monitors inputs received from the fluid-drawingdetector 154, which detects when the user draws (e.g., puffs, inhales,etc.) fluid through the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100, inorder to detect the detectable pattern of drawing 820 on the outlet 152of the electronic cigarette 100 constituting the vaping signature if andwhen it is performed. These inputs may be indicative of parameters ofeach draw on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100, such as aduration of the draw (e.g., how long a pressure differential is sensedby the fluid-drawing detector 154), an intensity of the draw (e.g., amagnitude of the pressure differential sensed by the fluid-drawingdetector 154 during the draw), a variation of the intensity of the drawover the duration of the draw (e.g., a pressure vs. time function forthe draw), etc. The controller 160 may compare this to informationstored in a memory that defines the detectable pattern of drawing 820 onthe outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100 which is to be recognizedby the controller 160 in order to maintain the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100 enabled.

When it detects the detectable pattern of drawing on the outlet 152 ofthe electronic cigarette 100 constituting the vaping signature, thecontroller 160 effects a control action in order to maintain thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100 enabled. Forinstance, the controller 160 may send or continue sending an internalcontrol signal to the vapor producer 120, the fluid-drawing detector154, etc., to maintain the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100 enabled.

However, when it ceases to or otherwise does not detect the detectablepattern of drawing on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100constituting the vaping signature, the controller 160 effects a controlaction in order to disable the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100. For instance, the controller 160 may send orrefrain from sending an internal control signal to the vapor producer120, the fluid-drawing detector 154, etc., to disable thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100.

The detectable pattern of drawing 820 on the outlet 152 of theelectronic cigarette 100 constituting the vaping signature that is usedto maintain the electronic cigarette 100 unlocked may be specified inany suitable way.

For example, in some embodiments, the detectable pattern of drawing 820on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100 constituting thevaping signature may be expressly specified by a legitimate user (e.g.,an owner) of the electronic cigarette 100. For instance, the legitimateuser may interact with the user interface 150 of the electroniccigarette 100 (e.g., using one or more buttons or other input elementsof the input device 156) to put the controller 160 in a mode in which itobserves inputs received from the fluid-drawing detector 164 while thelegitimate user vapes the electronic cigarette 100 in a way that definesthe detectable pattern of drawing 820 to be subsequently recognized bythe controller 160 as the vaping signature to maintain the electroniccigarette 100 unlocked. These inputs may be indicative of parameters ofeach draw on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100, such as aduration of the draw (e.g., how long a pressure differential is sensedby the fluid-drawing detector 154), an intensity of the draw (e.g., amagnitude of the pressure differential sensed by the fluid-drawingdetector 154 during the draw), a variation of the intensity of the drawover the duration of the draw (e.g., a pressure vs. time function forthe draw), etc., that defines the detectable pattern of drawing 820 tobe subsequently recognized by the controller 160 as the vaping signatureof the legitimate user. The parameters defining the vaping signature tobe recognized by the controller 160 are stored in a memory of thecontroller 160.

As another example, in some embodiments, the detectable pattern ofdrawing 820 on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100constituting the vaping signature of a legitimate user (e.g., an owner)of the electronic cigarette 100 may be autonomously learned by thecontroller 160 of the electronic cigarette 100 by observing how thelegitimate user vapes the electronic cigarette 100 over time. Forinstance, during a predetermined period of time (e.g., a week or monthstarting from an initial use of the electronic cigarette 100), thecontroller 160 may observe inputs received from the fluid-drawingdetector 164 every time the legitimate user vapes the electroniccigarette 100 and, based on these inputs, identify the detectablepattern of drawing 820 to be subsequently recognized by the controller160 as the vaping signature to maintain the electronic cigarette 100unlocked. These inputs may be indicative of parameters of each draw onthe outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100, such as a duration ofthe draw (e.g., how long a pressure differential is sensed by thefluid-drawing detector 154), an intensity of the draw (e.g., a magnitudeof the pressure differential sensed by the fluid-drawing detector 154during the draw), a variation of the intensity of the draw over theduration of the draw (e.g., a pressure vs. time function for the draw),etc. For example, based on these inputs, the controller 160 maydetermine that a particular series of draws on the outlet 152 of theelectronic cigarette 100 with certain durations and/or intensitiesoccurs every time the legitimate user vapes the electronic cigarette 100and may thus define the vaping signature of the legitimate user as beingthis particular series of draws. The parameters defining the vapingsignature to be recognized by the controller 160 are stored in a memoryof the controller 160.

EXAMPLE 12

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 27 , the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100 may be altered (e.g.,enabled, disabled, etc.) based on buccal biometrics of the user ashe/she draws on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100.

To that end, the controller 160 of the electronic cigarette 100 may runa process for acquiring a buccal biometric input 520, comparing thebuccal biometric input to a stored buccal biometric reference associatedwith an authorized user 530, and effecting a control action to alter(e.g., disable) the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100 based on a result of the comparing 540. This may beuseful, for instance, to reduce a potential for unauthorized use of theelectronic cigarette 100, such as would occur if there were an attempteduse of the electronic cigarette 100 by someone who is unable to supplyrecognized buccal biometrics of an authorized user.

Examples of buccal biometric inputs that may be obtained during step 520include one or more measured features of one or more parts of the user'smouth. Such features may include, for instance: characteristics (e.g.,pH, viscosity, hormone levels, DNA, etc.) of biological fluid (e.g.,saliva) in the user's mouth; characteristics (e.g., number, position,etc.) of teeth of the user; and/or characteristics (e.g., texture,shape, etc.) of lips of the user, to name a few possibilities. Toacquire the buccal biometric input, the electronic cigarette 100 mayneed to perform measurements on a physical substance (e.g., saliva, jaw,lips, teeth) and thus the electronic cigarette 100 may includecomponents that implement additional functionality.

In one example, the additional functionality for acquiring the buccalbiometric input may be provided by an imaging device (e.g., a digitalcamera) that is mounted to the housing 115 of the electronic cigarette100 (for taking a picture of the interior of the user's mouth), incombination with image processing software, firmware or hardware, whichcounts the number and/or position of the user's teeth. There may also beprovided a sensor that monitors proximity of the user's mouth so as totrigger the taking of the picture, or the picture may be triggered assoon as the fluid-drawing detector 154 detects that the user is drawingon the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100. In another example,the additional functionality for acquiring the buccal biometric inputmay be provided by a test system that is mounted to the housing 115 ofthe electronic cigarette 100 and that enters into contact with fluids inthe user's mouth. The test system may be configured to detect a level ofone or more hormones present in saliva or another chemicalcharacteristic of the saliva, for example. In yet another example, theadditional functionality for acquiring the buccal biometric input may beprovided by a pressure sensor that detects a pressure applied by theuser's lips.

The buccal biometric reference associated with the authorized user maybe obtained during a programming phase 510, during which the controller160 is programmed to take one or more samples of the buccal biometricinput (as described above, for example) and to utilize these samples (oran average thereof) as the buccal biometric reference. In an example,the buccal biometric reference may be reprogrammed by re-entering theprogramming phase at a later time. During the programming phase, theuser of the electronic cigarette 100 is assumed to be the authorizeduser, and thus it may be of interest to prevent the programming phasefrom being entered (or re-entered) by an unauthorized user. To this end,a passcode may need to be entered by the user that is attempting toenter (or re-enter) the programming phase.

During the comparing step 530, the buccal biometric input is compared tothe buccal biometric reference. In some embodiments, the comparing maybe such that the outcome is positive (i.e., a match is declared) only ifthere is an exact match between the buccal biometric input and thebuccal biometric reference. However, in other embodiments, the comparingmay produce a positive outcome not only when there is an exact match,but also when there is sufficient similarity between the buccalbiometric input and the buccal biometric reference. Similarity may bemeasured in a variety of ways, such as when the input and referencevalues are to within a threshold band (e.g., 5%, 10% or 20%) of oneanother. Other techniques for assessing similarity are possible. Forexample, a plurality of buccal biometric inputs may be collected andtheir average may be compared to the buccal biometric reference;alternatively, the one closest to the reference may be the one selectedfor comparison.

In one example application, where the authorized user is a woman and thewoman resides with male children, the mere detection that the saliva ofthe user is from a male could be a sufficient discriminant to limit theability of the electronic cigarette 100 to produce vapor and therebyachieve the goal of preventing the children from vaping the electroniccigarette 100.

In another example application, where the authorized user has a certaindentition (including holes, fillings, crowns, etc.), the detection thatthe user's teeth are different (e.g., lack a crown or filling in anexpected position) from those of the authorized user could be used as atrigger to limit the ability of the electronic cigarette 100 to producevapor, thereby achieving the goal of preventing the user from vaping theelectronic cigarette 100.

EXAMPLE 13

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 28 , the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100 may be altered (e.g.,enabled, disabled, etc.) based on a result or progression of game playon a game station in a vicinity of the electronic cigarette 100 (e.g.,to allow, enable or facilitate vaping in an arcade or a casino inresponse to game play).

For example, in some embodiments, upon entry to a casino, patrons areprovided with a complimentary “casino cartridge” 212 (e.g., filled withan e-liquid of their choice, flavored or plain, with or withoutnicotine, alcohol, etc.). The casino cartridge 212 is recognized by thecontroller 160 of the electronic cigarette 100 as being a casinocartridge and therefore regulated (e.g., requiring a code to operate).As such, the ability of vapor to be produced will only be allowed undercertain circumstances. A casino server 442, meanwhile, registers in adatabase 446 the electronic cigarette 100, the user thereof and thecasino cartridge 212. This information may be linked in the form of adatabase record, for example. As the user plays different games withinthe casino, the user is recognized by a game station 452, such as a gamemachine (e.g., slot machine) or a game table (e.g., blackjack table),being played and, depending on the bets placed by the user (either on asingle machine or table or cumulatively), the casino server 442instructs the electronic cigarette 100 (associated with that user) tounblock/enable the casino cartridge 212 and allow vaping (e.g., alimited number of vapes and/or for a limited duration). This can be doneby providing a digital key (which may be variable) to the electroniccigarette 100 wirelessly via a nearby gaming apparatus (e.g., gamemachine or game table). As long as the user keeps up a certain level ofbetting per unit time (e.g., $100/hr), vaping of the casino cartridge212 is allowed. However, if the user ceases to bet or slows down, vapingbecomes restricted.

The aforementioned technique therefore encourages patrons to continue toplay in the casino and indeed bet higher amounts. Different thresholds(of $ bet per unit time so as to enable vaping) can also be applieddepending on individuals' gaming profiles. A similar approach can alsobe used in a video lottery terminal setting or in a traditional arcade,wherein continued spend on machines will lead to authorized access to acomplimentary source of vaping.

Other venues for controllably encouraging vaping of e-fluid based onconsumer behavior may include department stores, restaurants, shoppingmalls, grocery stores and other locations where prolonged user presenceis linked with increased consumer spend.

In some embodiments, certain functionality implemented by thecommunication device 400 in the examples considered above, such as, forinstance, monitoring the location of the electronic cigarette 100,monitoring a time of day, monitoring the vaping activity, knowing thelocation of a vaping-prohibited area, etc., may instead be implementedby the electronic cigarette 100 itself. That is, the controller 160 ofthe electronic cigarette 100 may interact with other components of theelectronic cigarette 100 (e.g., a GPS locator, a clock, a memory storinglocations of vaping-prohibited areas, etc.) in order to implement thisfunctionality.

Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, the user interface150 of the electronic cigarette 100 may implement a graphical userinterface providing a function for allowing the user to input anexternal VCA command, which causes the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100 to be altered without shutting down theelectronic cigarette 100.

II. Conveyance of a Notification of Potential Unauthorized Use

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 29 , the electronic cigarette 100may communicate with the communication device 400 (e.g., a smartphone, acomputer, etc.) that is external to the electronic cigarette 100 toconvey a notification 860 of potential unauthorized use of theelectronic cigarette 100 (e.g., by a child, teenager or otherunauthorized user). This notification 860, which will be referred to asa “potential unauthorized use (PUU) notification”, may be useful, forinstance, to notify an authorized user (e.g., an owner) of theelectronic cigarette 100 that the electronic cigarette 100 maypotentially be used by an unauthorized user, such as a child or teenagerwho is not allowed to vape or an individual who may have stolen theelectronic cigarette 100 or have found the electronic cigarette 100 ifforgotten or misplaced by the authorized user.

For example, in this embodiment, the communication device 400 is amobile communication device (e.g., a smartphone or other wireless phone;a tablet computer; a head-mounted display, smartwatch or other wearabledevice; etc.) of the authorized user who is an owner of the electroniccigarette 100. In this case, the mobile communication device 400 runs asoftware application (e.g., a mobile app) that is related to theelectronic cigarette 100 and that can deliver the PUU notification 860.In other cases, the mobile communication device 400 may be able todeliver the PUU notification 860 without running any softwareapplication related to the electronic cigarette 100 (e.g., the PUUnotification 860 may be delivered as a text message (e.g., SMS message)or an email message presentable by the mobile communication device 400).

The PUU notification 860 may be implemented in any suitable way. Forexample, in some embodiments, the PUU notification 860 may include avisual element displayed on a display of the mobile communication device400 (e.g., a pop-up window conveying a textual message, an emailmessage, a text message, etc.). As another example, in some embodiments,the PUU notification 860 may include an audible element emitted by aspeaker of the mobile communication device 400 (e.g., an audio warning).As yet another example, in some embodiments, the PUU notification 860may include both a visual element and an audible element.

The PUU notification 860 is issued in response to an event indicative ofpotential unauthorized use of the electronic cigarette 100. This event,which will be referred to as a “PUU event”, may include one or moreconditions being met (e.g., one or more circumstances having arisen) inrespect of the electronic cigarette 100. Any or all of these one or moreconditions may be predefined or otherwise specified such that, when theone or more conditions are met, the PUU event is deemed to haveoccurred.

Detection that the one or more conditions are met in respect of theelectronic cigarette 100, and therefore detection of a PUU event, may becarried out by the electronic cigarette 100 and/or by a communicationdevice external to the electronic cigarette 100 such as the mobilecommunication device 400. At the electronic cigarette 100, this may beachieved based on processing of one or more inputs that may be receivedby the controller 160 of the electronic cigarette 100. Examples of suchinputs may include external inputs received via the user interface 150and/or the communication interface 170 and/or internal inputs fromvarious internal components (e.g., a clock, a GPS locator, a battery,etc.) of the electronic cigarette 100. At a communication deviceexternal to the electronic cigarette 100 such as the mobilecommunication device 400, this may be carried out by processingcircuitry at the external communication device that takes into accountone or more stimuli. Examples of such stimuli may include externalinputs received via a user interface and/or a communication interface ofthe external communication device and/or internal inputs from variousinternal components (e.g., a clock, a GPS locator, a battery, etc.) ofthe external communication device.

The PUU event which triggers issuance of the PUU notification 860 may bedefined by one or more conditions (e.g., circumstances) that may involvevarious factors, including, for example, one or more of:

-   -   a location of the electronic cigarette 100 (e.g., to notify of        potential authorized use when there is a lack of proximity of        the electronic cigarette 100 to its owner, when the electronic        cigarette 100 is no longer located in a home, workplace, or        other site associated with its owner, etc.);    -   time (e.g., to notify of potential authorized use when the        electronic cigarette 100 is activated at certain times of day or        other specified moments during which the owner of the electronic        cigarette 100 is not expected to vape the electronic cigarette        100); and/or    -   an indication of a desire of the owner of the electronic        cigarette 100 to be notified of an upcoming use of the        electronic cigarette 100 (e.g., within a certain period of time,        such as an upcoming day, week or month to learn of any        authorized use of the electronic cigarette 100 that may occur        during that period of time);    -   etc.

For instance, in some embodiments, the owner of the electronic cigarette100 may specify one or more conditions (e.g., circumstances) under whichhe/she wishes to receive the PUU notification 860 via his/her mobilecommunication device 400. This may be achieved by the owner of theelectronic cigarette 100 providing user input defining these one or moreconditions via the input device 156 of the user interface 150 of theelectronic cigarette 100 and/or via the user input of the mobilecommunication device 400.

As an example, the owner of the electronic cigarette 100 may specifythat he/she wishes to be notified when the electronic cigarette 100ceases to be in proximity of the mobile communication device 400. Forinstance, the software application running on the mobile communicationdevice 400 may monitor a proximity of the mobile communication device400 to the electronic cigarette 100 in order to issue the PUUnotification 860 when the electronic cigarette 100 is deemed to nolonger be proximate enough to the mobile communication device 400, whichis presumed to be with the owner of the electronic cigarette 100. Itshould be appreciated that proximity may be assessed in various ways,such as by comparing the actual location of the mobile communicationdevice 400 to that of the electronic cigarette 100, or by detecting adistance (e.g., based on signal strength, signal travel time, etc.)between the mobile communication device 400 and the electronic cigarette100, to name a few possibilities. Thus, when the software applicationdetermines that the communication device 400 issues the PUU notification860 which can notify the owner of the electronic cigarette 100 of thissituation. mobile communication device 400 and the electronic cigarette100 are not within a specified distance (e.g., I or 2 m) from oneanother, the mobile

As another example, the owner of the electronic cigarette 100 mayspecify that he/she wishes to be notified when the electronic cigarette100 is being vaped while not in proximity of the mobile communicationdevice 400, which is presumed to be with him/her. For instance, thecontroller 160 of the electronic cigarette 100 may monitor a proximityof the electronic cigarette 100 to the mobile communication device 400and, when the electronic cigarette 100 is deemed by the controller 160to no longer be proximate enough to the mobile communication device 400,the controller 160 monitors inputs received from the fluid-drawingdetector 154 to determine whether someone has drawn (e.g., puffed,inhaled, etc.) on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100. If thecontroller 160 detects that someone has drawn on the outlet 152 of theelectronic cigarette 100 while it is not in proximity to the mobilecommunication device 400, the controller 160 causes transmission of asignal over the communication link 440 to issue the PUU notification 860at the mobile communication device 400 in order to notify the owner ofthe electronic cigarette 100 of this situation.

As yet another example, the owner of the electronic cigarette 100 mayspecify that he/she wishes to be notified when the electronic cigarette100 is being vaped during a predetermined period of time, say between 12PM and 6 AM during which time he/she normally sleeps. For instance, thecontroller 160 of the electronic cigarette 100 may monitor a time of dayand inputs received from the fluid-drawing detector 154 to determinewhether someone has drawn (e.g., puffed, inhaled, etc.) on the outlet152 of the electronic cigarette 100 between 12 PM and 6 AM. If thecontroller 160 detects that someone has drawn on the outlet 152 of theelectronic cigarette 100 during that time, the controller 160 causestransmission of a signal over the communication link 440 to issue thePUU notification 860 at the mobile communication device 400 in order tonotify the owner of the electronic cigarette 100 of this situation.

In some embodiments, the PUU notification 860 may be conveyed via themobile communication device 400 in conjunction with an alteration (e.g.,a disabling, a reduction, etc.) of the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100 as discussed above in section I. Thus, theowner of the electronic cigarette 100 may, in addition to being notifiedof the potential unauthorized use of the electronic cigarette 100, knowthat the vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100 isbeing disabled, reduced or otherwise altered such that it cannot be usednormally.

In some examples, the alteration (e.g., disabling, reduction, etc.) ofthe vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100 asdiscussed above in section I may be effected automatically along withissuance of the PUU notification 860 via the mobile communication device400. For instance, in some cases, in conjunction with issuance of thePUU notification 860 via the mobile communication device 400, thecontroller 160 of the electronic cigarette 100 may send or refrain fromsending an internal control signal to the vapor producer 120, thefluid-drawing detector 154, etc., to disable the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100.

In other examples, the alteration (e.g., disabling, reduction, etc.) ofthe vapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100 asdiscussed above in section I may be effected in response to the owner ofthe electronic cigarette 100 inputting a command to effect thisalteration via the user interface of the mobile communication device 400upon having received the PUU notification 860 conveyed via the mobilecommunication device 400. For instance, the software application runningon the mobile communication device 400 may, upon receiving the PUUnotification 860, provide an option for the owner of the electroniccigarette 100 to alter (e.g., disable, reduce, etc.) the vapor-providingcapability of the electronic cigarette 100. The option may be providedby displaying a message or other graphical element on the display of thecommunication device 400 that prompts the owner of the electroniccigarette 100 to indicate whether he/she would like to disable, reduceor otherwise alter the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100 and that can be acted upon by the owner of the electroniccigarette 100 (e.g., by clicking on a button or other actionableelement) of the user interface of the mobile communication device 400.The owner of the electronic cigarette 100 may thus interact with themobile communication device 100 to specify that he/she wants to disable,reduce or otherwise alter the vapor-providing capability of theelectronic cigarette 100 and cause the mobile communication device 100to send an external VCA command towards the electronic cigarette 100over the communication link 440 such that, upon receiving this externalVCA command, the controller 160 of the electronic cigarette 100 effectsa control action in order to disable, reduce or otherwise alter thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100. Forinstance, the controller 160 may send or refrain from sending aninternal control signal to the vapor producer 120, the fluid-drawingdetector 154, etc., to disable, reduce or otherwise alter thevapor-providing capability of the electronic cigarette 100.

In other embodiments, the PUU notification 860 may be conveyed via themobile communication device 400 without altering (e.g., disabling,reducing, etc.) the vapor-providing capability of the electroniccigarette 100 as discussed above in section I.

III. Physical Deterrence to Unauthorized Use

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 30 , the electronic cigarette 100may implement a physical deterrent 756 to its unauthorized use (e.g., bya child, teenager or other unauthorized user).

For example, in this embodiment, the physical deterrent 756 constitutesemission of a sensory artefact 766 (e.g., sound, odor, light) thatcertain users other than an authorized user (e.g., an owner) of theelectronic cigarette 100 would likely find unpleasant. In thisembodiment, the ability of the electronic cigarette 100 to produce vaporis not limited.

To that end, the electronic cigarette 100 may be equipped with anartefact producer 776 which is activated by the controller 160 of theelectronic cigarette 100. Activation of the artefact producer 776 may becontinuous or in response to an event, such as drawing on the outlet 152of the electronic cigarette 100 after a prolonged period (e.g., 15, 30or 60 minutes, or more) of not having drawn on the outlet 152. Theartefact producer 776 may produce the sensory artefact 766 that certainusers other than the authorized user would likely find unpleasant. Forexample, when the authorized user is hard of hearing, producing a shrillor high-pitched sound, or playing overplayed Christmas music, maydiscourage unauthorized users who begin to use the electronic cigarette100 from continuing to use the electronic cigarette 100. Similarly, whenthe authorized user is an adult above 25 years of age, producing soundsabove 17.4 kHz would be inaudible to the authorized user, yet audible byindividuals younger than 24 and certainly children. In this way, acontinuous or variable sound in a desired frequency range that isproduced in response to, say, drawing on the electronic cigarette 100(as detected by the fluid-drawing detector 154), may discourageunauthorized users from using the electronic cigarette 100. Of course,other frequencies may be applicable to other age groups, whereindividuals in the age group of an authorized user may be unaffected bysounds audible by individuals in a different age group to whichunauthorized users belong.

In yet another example, the artefact producer 776 may produce othersensory artefacts such as customized scents to which the authorized useris unlikely to object, yet would be found repulsive by unauthorizedusers. Examples of scents include those arising from various secretionsof sweat or pubic glands, or gaseous emissions from the mouth. Suchscents may be obtained from natural concentrations or they maychemically synthesized.

In still another example, the artefact producer 776 may produce lightpatterns or signals that would be found annoying or unpleasant by anunauthorized user. For example, a visual output device (e.g., a visualoutput device 190 in FIGS. 31 and 32 , described in greater detaillater) built into the housing 150 of the electronic cigarette 100 maydisplay a certain color or message (e.g., “unauthorized user”) when theuser is an unauthorized user. Thus, although use of the electroniccigarette 100 may not be physically prevented or inhibited, it isdiscouraged indirectly through the discomfort that the user would be ledto feel when those around him or her are alerted to the fact that theuse is unauthorized.

This embodiment may therefore be useful in reducing the potential forunauthorized use of the electronic cigarette 100, such as would occur ifthere were an attempted use of the electronic cigarette 100 by someonewho lacks the stamina to endure the emitted sensory artefacts.

IV. Visual Conveyance of Information

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 , the user interface150 of the electronic cigarette 100 may comprise a visual output device190 to convey information visually to the user and/or one or more otherindividuals in the vicinity of the electronic cigarette 100 who can seethe electronic cigarette 100. For example, in some embodiments, thevisual output device 190 may include a controllably-illuminated tip ofthe electronic cigarette 100 (e.g., an LED or other light source whoselight emission is controllable). As another example, in someembodiments, the visual output device 190 may include an electronicdisplay (e.g., a LCD screen, an OLED screen, etc.), which may beconfigured for displaying text, graphics and/or video. In some cases,the electronic display may be curved and/or flexible, and may appear ona side of the housing 115 of the electronic cigarette 100.

Causing the electronic cigarette 100 to visually convey information maybe useful, for instance, to

-   -   present information entered by the user in real-time to        individuals in the vicinity of the electronic cigarette 100;    -   present advertisements (e.g., for companies or other        organizations, products, services, etc.) or other messages to        people who can see the electronic cigarette 100;    -   notify people in the vicinity of the electronic cigarette 100        that it is not a conventional cigarette (e.g., by blinking or        otherwise controlling illumination of a tip of the electronic        cigarette 100 to indicate that it is not something burning, by        flashing or otherwise altering any data on a display of the        electronic cigarette 100, etc.);    -   present personal information (e.g., name, social/relationship        status, etc.) of the user or other information stored in a        database or profile (e.g., which may be online, such as a social        media account);    -   show electronic messages (e.g., text messages or email messages)        received on a communication device of the user; and/or    -   notify people in the vicinity of the electronic cigarette 100        that a current use of the electronic cigarette 100 is        unauthorized (e.g., if the electronic cigarette 100 is used by        someone who is unauthorized to use it, such as a child or        someone who stole or found the electronic cigarette 100);    -   etc.

The information visually conveyed by the visual output device 190 mayinclude (1) information received by the electronic cigarette 100 from anexternal source (“externally received information”) and/or (2)information inherent to the electronic cigarette 100 (e.g., the factthat the electronic cigarette 100 is not a traditional cigarette).

In the case of externally received information that is to be conveyed bythe electronic cigarette 100, this information may be received invarious ways, including, for example, those discussed below.

1—Direct

In the direct technique, the input device 156 of the user interface 150of the electronic cigarette 100 (e.g., including one or more buttons, atouch screen and/or any other input mechanism) allows the user todirectly enter (e.g., select or input) the information to be visuallyconveyed by the visual output device 190 of the electronic cigarette100.

2—Paired

In the paired technique, a specific communication device (or a group ofspecific communication devices) is paired with the electronic cigarette100, such that only signals received from the specific communicationdevice (or the group of specific communication devices) are recognizedas valid. The specific communication device can be a smartphone or othermobile phone, a tablet, a smart watch, head-mounted display or otherwearable device, etc., or even another electronic cigarette.

For example, in some embodiments, the user may download an application(app) from a repository (e.g., Apple's App Store, iTunes, Google Play,Android Market, etc.) onto the specific communication device that ispaired with the electronic cigarette 100. Upon activation of the app onthe specific communication device, the user may access certain featuresto control certain aspects of the electronic cigarette 100 (includingoutput of information by the visual output device 190 of the electroniccigarette 100) locally on the specific communication device. This can beachieved by sending a command from the specific communication device tothe electronic cigarette 100. In addition, a data connection can beestablished over the Internet with a server of which executes acomplementary server-side application interacting with the app on thespecific communication device.

3—Addressed

In the addressed technique, the electronic cigarette 100 is assigned anetwork identifier, such as an IP address, and is able to communicateover a network with other devices having IP addresses. As such,knowledge of the electronic cigarette's IP address allows othernetworked devices to communicate with the electronic cigarette 100. Suchcommunication may include transmission of information to be visuallyconveyed by the visual output device 190 of the electronic cigarette100.

4—Out-of-Band

In the out-of-band technique, a communication channel is reserved foremergency or administrative use rather than data communication withother networked devices. For example, this could include a reservedfrequency (in the case of an FDMA system), a reserved multiplexing code(in the case of a CDMA system), a reserved time slot (in the case of aTDMA system), a reserved encryption key (in the case of a digitalsystem) or a reserved network identifier (e.g., IP address). This canallow operational control of the electronic cigarette 100 to beoverridden and controlled by an external entity, such as in an emergencyor where mandated by law.

In case 1 identified above, the information to be visually conveyed bythe electronic cigarette 100 is provided by the user.

In each of cases 2, 3 and 4 identified above, the information to bevisually conveyed by the electronic cigarette 100 is issued by acommunication device that is external to the electronic cigarette 100and conveyed via a communication link, which may be wireless, wired, orpartly wireless and partly wired (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi or otherwireless LAN, WiMAX or other wireless WAN, cellular, USB, etc.), such asthe communication device 400 and the communication link 440 discussedabove in connection with FIG. 7 . For example: in the paired technique,the communication device 400 may be a smartphone or other mobile phone,a tablet, a smart watch, head-mounted display or other wearable device,or any other communication device that may be carried by the user, andthe communication link 440 may a short-range wireless link (e.g.,Bluetooth) or a wired link (e.g., USB); in the addressed technique, thecommunication device 400 may be a server or other computing apparatus ora smartphone or other mobile phone, a tablet, a smart watch,head-mounted display or other wearable device, or any othercommunication device that may be carried by the user and thecommunication link 440 may be implemented by a data network such as theInternet over a wired connection and/or a wireless connection (e.g.,WiFi, WiMAX, cellular, etc.); and, in the out-of-band technique, thecommunication device 400 may be a server or other computing apparatusand the communication link 440 may be implemented over a wirelessconnection using, for instance, dedicated short-range communication(DSRC), IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth and CALM (Communications Access for LandMobiles), RFID, etc.

Release of the information to be visually conveyed by the electroniccigarette 100 may be caused by a program (e.g., a software application)executing on the communication device 400. The program may include a setof computer-readable instructions executed by a processor of thecommunication device 400. The computer-readable instructions may bestored in a memory embedded in the communication device 400 or locatedexternally thereto. The algorithm takes into one or more stimuli, whichcan include external inputs received via a user interface of thecommunication device 400, external inputs received via a communicationinterface of the communication device 400 and/or internal inputs fromvarious internal components of the communication device 400 (e.g., aclock, a GPS locator, a battery, etc.).

The program executing on the communication device 400 may determine whatinformation is to be visually conveyed by the electronic cigarette 100based on various factors, such as, for example:

-   -   input from the user of the electronic cigarette 100 or another        individual (e.g., a person who may interact with the        communication device 400 in cases where the communication device        400 is not under control of the user of the electronic cigarette        100);    -   a state of the electronic cigarette 100 (e.g., currently or not        currently being used to vape);    -   an identity of the user (e.g., an age of the user);    -   a location of the electronic cigarette 100 (e.g., to display        advertisements for nearby stores, restaurants, or other        merchants in a targeted manner);    -   time;    -   etc.

In some embodiments, the controller 160 of the electronic cigarette 100may cause the visual output device 190 to visually convey information bythe electronic cigarette 100 upon determining that the electroniccigarette 100 is currently being used to vape or otherwise positionedsuch that the information is viewable by the user and/or individuals inthe vicinity of the electronic cigarette 100. For example, in somecases, the controller 160 may monitor the fluid-drawing detector 154 tomake this determination. As another example, in some cases, theelectronic cigarette 100 may comprise a motion sensor (e.g., including agyroscope or accelerometer) to sense motion of the electronic cigarette100 and the controller 160 may monitor the motion sensor to assesswhether the electronic cigarette 100 is positioned (e.g., oriented) in away that it is viewable by the user and/or individuals in the vicinityof the electronic cigarette 100.

In examples where the information visually conveyed by the electroniccigarette 100 includes an advertisement (e.g., for a company or otherorganization, a product, or a service), this may be subsidized by anadvertiser who may compensate the user of the electronic cigarette 100for allowing the advertisement to be presented via the electroniccigarette 100.

For example, in some embodiments, the user may have subscribed to orregistered for an advertisement service provided by the advertiser orotherwise have given his/her consent to the advertiser to convey theadvertisement via the electronic cigarette 100. In some embodiments,this may be achieved, for example, by the user interacting (e.g., usingthe electronic cigarette 100 itself, or using his/her smartphone,tablet, laptop computer, etc.) with a server (e.g., implementing awebsite) that is associated with the advertiser and allows the user toconsent to presentation of advertisements on the electronic cigarette100. The server may maintain a record (e.g., an account) for theelectronic cigarette 100 and keep track of advertisements presented onthe electronic cigarette 100.

Compensation to the user of the electronic cigarette 100 for allowingthe advertisement to be conveyed on the electronic cigarette 100 may bein any suitable form. For example, in some embodiments, the user mayreceive a financial compensation (e.g., an amount of money deposited ina bank account, a credit applicable towards a purchase, a rebate on aproduct or service advertised, etc.). This compensation may be managedby the server associated with the advertiser.

V. Capturing of Images and/or Sounds

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 , the electroniccigarette 100 may comprise one or more media-capturing devices tocapture media, i.e., images and/or sounds (e.g., of surroundings of theelectronic cigarette 100). For instance, the electronic cigarette 100may comprise a camera 220 to capture images. In some cases, the imagescaptured by the camera 220 may include pictures (i.e., still images). Inother cases, the camera 220 may have video capability such that theimages it captures include moving images constituting video. Theelectronic cigarette 100 may also comprises a microphone 230 to capturesounds (e.g., particularly in cases where the camera 220 has videocapability).

This ability of the electronic cigarette 100 to capture images and/orsounds may be useful, for instance, to:

-   -   allow the user of the electronic cigarette 100 to conveniently        and discreetly take pictures or videos when desired (e.g., when        vaping, without having to simultaneously handle or manipulate        his/her smartphone or digital camera, etc.);    -   allow automatic upload of pictures or videos taken by the        electronic cigarette 100 to a third-party site via a wireless        connection (e.g., a site associated with a manufacturer of the        electronic cigarette 100 for a promotional campaign (e.g., “show        us where you vape” campaign), distributed on social media,        etc.);    -   allow continuous surveillance around the electronic cigarette        100 (e.g., a security feature for a woman in a bar who wants to        record potentially predatory behaviour); and/or    -   etc.

Images and/or sounds may be captured by the electronic cigarette 100 invarious ways in various embodiments, including those discussed below.

1—Direct

In the direct technique, the input device 156 of the user interface 150of the electronic cigarette 100 (e.g., including one or more buttons, atouch screen and/or any other input mechanism) allows the user todirectly input a command to take a picture or video. In response to sucha command from the user, the controller 160 causes the camera 220 tocapture a picture or video. In cases where a video is taken, themicrophone 230 is caused by the controller 160 to capture associatedaudio content.

2—Paired

In the paired technique, a specific communication device (or a group ofspecific communication devices) is paired with the electronic cigarette100, such that only signals received from the specific communicationdevice (or the group of specific communication devices) are recognizedas valid. The specific communication device can be a smartphone or othermobile phone, a tablet, a smart watch, head-mounted display or otherwearable device, etc., or even another electronic cigarette.

For example, in some embodiments, the user may download an application(app) from a repository (e.g., Apple's App Store, iTunes, Google Play,Android Market, etc.) onto the specific communication device that ispaired with the electronic cigarette 100. Upon activation of the app onthe specific communication device, the user may access certain featuresto control certain aspects of the electronic cigarette 100 (includingtaking a picture or video with the camera 220) locally on the specificcommunication device. This can be achieved by sending a command from thespecific communication device to the electronic cigarette 100. Inaddition, a data connection can be established over the Internet with aserver of which executes a complementary server-side applicationinteracting with the app on the specific communication device.

3—Addressed

In the addressed technique, the electronic cigarette 100 is assigned anetwork identifier, such as an IP address, and is able to communicateover a network with other devices having IP addresses. As such,knowledge of the electronic cigarette's IP address allows othernetworked devices to communicate with the electronic cigarette 100. Suchcommunication may include transmission of a command to take a picture orvideo with the camera 220 of the electronic cigarette 100.

4—Out-of-Band

In the out-of-band technique, a communication channel is reserved foremergency or administrative use rather than data communication withother networked devices. For example, this could include a reservedfrequency (in the case of an FDMA system), a reserved multiplexing code(in the case of a CDMA system), a reserved time slot (in the case of aTDMA system), a reserved encryption key (in the case of a digitalsystem) or a reserved network identifier (e.g., IP address). This canallow operational control of the electronic cigarette 100 to beoverridden and controlled by an external entity, such as in an emergencyor where mandated by law.

5—Vape-Activated

In the vape-activated technique, the electronic cigarette 100 can take apicture or video in response to a vaping action of the user. Moreparticularly, the electronic cigarette 100 may autonomously take apicture or video in response to the user drawing on the outlet 152 ofthe electronic cigarette 100. For example, in some embodiments, theelectronic cigarette 100 may take a picture or video at each draw (e.g.,inhalation or puff) made by the user on the outlet 152 of the electroniccigarette 100. As another example, in some embodiments, the electroniccigarette 100 may take a picture or video in response to a triggeringpattern of drawing by the user on the outlet 152 of the electroniccigarette 100 (e.g., a series of rapid draws within a short period oftime, such as 3 quick puffs within 2 seconds). The controller 160 mayinteract with the fluid-drawing detector 154 to detect when the userdraws on the outlet 152 of the electronic cigarette 100 and cause thecamera 220 to take a picture or video accordingly.

In case 1 identified above, the command to take a picture or video withthe electronic cigarette 100 is provided by the user.

In each of cases 2, 3 and 4 identified above, the command to take apicture or video with the electronic cigarette 100 is issued by acommunication device that is external to the electronic cigarette 100and conveyed via a communication link, which may be wireless, wired, orpartly wireless and partly wired (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi or otherwireless LAN, WiMAX or other wireless WAN, cellular, USB, etc.), such asthe communication device 400 and the communication link 440 discussedabove in connection with FIG. 7 . For example: in the paired technique,the communication device 400 may be a smartphone or other mobile phone,a tablet, a smart watch, head-mounted display or other wearable device,or any other communication device that may be carried by the user, andthe communication link 440 may a short-range wireless link (e.g.,Bluetooth) or a wired link (e.g., USB); in the addressed technique, thecommunication device 400 may be a server or other computing apparatus ora smartphone or other mobile phone, a tablet, a smart watch,head-mounted display or other wearable device, or any othercommunication device that may be carried by the user and thecommunication link 440 may be implemented by a data network such as theInternet over a wired connection and/or a wireless connection (e.g.,WiFi, WiMAX, cellular, etc.); and, in the out-of-band technique, thecommunication device 400 may be a server or other computing apparatusand the communication link 440 may be implemented over a wirelessconnection using, for instance, dedicated short-range communication(DSRC), IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth and CALM (Communications Access for LandMobiles), RFID, etc.

Release of the command to take a picture or video with the electroniccigarette 100 may be caused by a program (e.g., a software application)executing on the communication device 400. The program may include a setof computer-readable instructions executed by a processor of thecommunication device 400. The computer-readable instructions may bestored in a memory embedded in the communication device 400 or locatedexternally thereto. The algorithm takes into one or more stimuli, whichcan include external inputs received via a user interface of thecommunication device 400, external inputs received via a communicationinterface of the communication device 400 and/or internal inputs fromvarious internal components of the communication device 400 (e.g., aclock, a GPS locator, a battery, etc.).

The images and/or sounds captured by the electronic cigarette 100 may bestored in a memory of the electronic cigarette 100. Alternatively oradditionally, the images and/or sounds captured by the electroniccigarette 100 may be transmitted to one or more external communicationdevices (e.g., the communication device 400 and/or one or moreadditional communication devices, such as a server managing a socialmedia account of the user, etc.).

VI. Usage Monitoring

In some embodiments, usage of the electronic cigarette 100 may bemonitored by a software application. This may include monitoring vapingof the electronic cigarette 100 and/or monitoring of replacement of thecontainer 124 of the vapor producer 120 or replenishment of thesubstance contained in the container 124. Information derived from thismonitoring may then be used for various purposes in various embodiments,such as, for example, to:

-   -   a) monitor overall vaping (e.g., consumption, habits, etc.)        across the electronic cigarette 100 and one or more other        electronic cigarettes registered to the same user;    -   b) transfer data stored in association with the electronic        cigarette 100 from a previously-used electronic cigarette and/or        to a new electronic cigarette;    -   c) detect tampering with the electronic cigarette 100, such as        by logging the times at which the electronic cigarette 100 was        opened and/or closed and then advising the user of these times,        since the user who knows when they last opened the electronic        cigarette 100 (to replace the container 124 or replenish the        substance it contains) could therefore know whether the        electronic cigarette 100 was opened by someone else, which could        signal tampering;    -   d) determine the user's usage rate by logging the time instants        at which the electronic cigarette 100 was vaped (e.g., this may        be transmitted to a server which computes rate of vaping and        rewards the “high score” (daily or monthly) with cash or        prizes);    -   e) determine the user's true loyalty to a brand by logging the        brand of each new cartridge that is installed in the electronic        cigarette 100, and, if loyal to a particular brand of cartridge,        the user may be rewarded.

Returning to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the control system 130comprises a lock configured to restrict production of vapor by the vaporproducer 120. This may be useful, for example, to prevent or limitvaping by an individual (i.e., the user or another person) who may notbe authorized to vape the electronic cigarette 100 or who may be subjectto certain vaping limitations. For instance, this may be useful toprevent vaping of the electronic cigarette 100 by a child, teenager orother under-aged individual (e.g., who may not be legally allowed topurchase or consume conventional tobacco products or electroniccigarettes).

The lock of the control system 130 is configured to restrict productionof vapor by the vapor producer 120. To that end, in this embodiment, thelock has a plurality of states, including a locked state and an unlockedstate. For example, in some embodiments, in the unlocked state, vapingmay enabled, while in the locked state, vaping may be disabled. Inanother example, in some embodiments, vaping may be enabled in both thelocked state and in the unlocked state, but an amount of vapor and/or anamount of a constituent (e.g., nicotine) of the vapor released in thelocked state may be less than in the unlocked state. In another example,in some embodiments, the lock may have an intermediate state in whichvaping of certain substances (e.g., non-nicotine-containing substances)may be enabled, but vaping of certain other substances (e.g.,nicotine-containing substances) may be disabled.

The lock may be in a default state when the electronic cigarette 100 isshipped to a merchant. For example, in some embodiments, the defaultstate of the lock may be the locked state. The lock may then be unlockedin various ways. For instance, in some cases, the lock may be unlockedby the merchant at the time of purchase of the electronic cigarette 100by a purchaser (e.g., upon being satisfied that the purchaser is oflegal age). Alternatively, the lock may be unlocked by the user. Inanother example, the default state of the lock may be the unlockedstate. The lock may then be locked by the user when the user decidesthat he/she wishes to restrict vaping of the electronic cigarette 100.

To change the state of the lock from the locked state to the unlockedstate (or to one of several unlocked states where the restriction on theability to produce vapor is variable), several approaches may be used.Some of these approaches may be more suited to initial unlocking of thelock from a default locked state, while others can be used to enter anunlocked state from a locked state that had been entered into afterhaving been in a previous unlocked state (i.e., toggling).

For example, in some embodiments, the lock may be in the locked statewhen the electronic cigarette 100 is supplied to the merchant andpurchased by the user from the merchant and may then be put in theunlocked state in response to the electronic cigarette 100 receivinginformation obtained from a particular entity. This information, whichwill be referred to as “unlocking information”, may comprise a code orcommand to unlock the lock of the electronic cigarette 100. In thiscase, the particular entity is a manufacturer of the electroniccigarette 100. In other cases, the particular entity may be adistributor of electronic cigarettes, a government agency, or any otherentity involved in commercialization of electronic cigarettes.

The unlocking information may be input into the electronic cigarette 100in any suitable manner.

For example, in some embodiments, the user may employ a communicationdevice 400 to communicate with a computing system of the manufacturer ofthe electronic cigarette 100 over a communications network in order tocause the unlocking information to be input into the electroniccigarette 100. The communications network may be implemented by a datanetwork (e.g., the Internet), a public telephony network (e.g., thePSTN), and/or a cellular network.

In one example of implementation, the user may use the communicationdevice 400 to visit a website associated with the computing system. Aserver of the computing system that implements the web site may interactwith the user to solicit information from the user, including, forexample:

-   -   an identifier (e.g., a serial number) of the electronic        cigarette 100 (e.g., which may be provided on the electronic        cigarette 100 itself or a pack or other item provided with the        electronic cigarette 100 at the time of purchase);    -   information about the user, such as his or her name, age, and/or        contact information (e.g., a street address, an email address, a        telephone number, etc.)

The computing system may make a request to the user via the website toconfirm that the user is authorized to vape the electronic cigarette100. For example, the computing system may request the user to specifyhis/her age or confirm that he/she is at least of a certain age (e.g.,18, 21, or any other age at which government laws or regulations orpolicies of the manufacturer of the electronic cigarette 100 may allowvaping of electronic cigarettes). The computing system may also ask theuser for certain additional information to verify his/her age (e.g.,provide a credit card number or driver license number that can becompared to data maintained by a credit card company, government agency,or other third-party to confirm the age indicated by the user).

If a response of the user indicates that the user's age allows him/herto vape the electronic cigarette 100, the computing system releases theunlocking information to unlock the lock of the electronic cigarette100, thus allowing the user to vape the electronic cigarette 100.

For example, in some embodiments, the unlocking information may comprisea code that is conveyed by the computing system to the user'scommunication device 400 and that can be entered by the user into theelectronic cigarette 100 via the user interface 150.

As another example, in some embodiments, the control system 130 of theelectronic cigarette 100 may comprise a communication interface 170 toconnect the electronic cigarette 100 to a communication network and theunlocking information may comprise a command that is conveyed by thecomputing system to the electronic cigarette 100 via a communicationsnetwork. The communications network may be implemented by a data network(e.g., the Internet), a public telephony network (e.g., the PSTN),and/or a cellular network.

In another example of implementation in which the communication device400 includes a smartphone or tablet, the user may download anapplication (app) from a repository (e.g., iTunes, Android Market, etc.)onto the smartphone or tablet. Upon activation of the app on thesmartphone or tablet, the user may interact with the computing system ofthe manufacturer of the electronic cigarette 100 in a manner similar tothat discussed above to provide the identifier of the electroniccigarette 100 and information about himself/herself and allow his/herage to be confirmed. If the computing system or the app determines thatthe user's age allows him/her to vape the electronic cigarette 100, thecomputing system or the app releases the unlocking information to unlockthe lock of the electronic cigarette 100, thus allowing the user to vapethe electronic cigarette 100. This can be achieved as discussed above orby a communication link (e.g., wired or wireless link) between thesmartphone or tablet and the network interface of the electroniccigarette 100.

In yet another example of implementation in which the communicationdevice 400 includes a smartphone or tablet, the user may download anapplication (app) from a repository (e.g., iTunes, Android Market, etc.)onto the smartphone or tablet. Upon activation of the app on thesmartphone or tablet, the app may establish a communication link withthe electronic cigarette 100 (i.e., with the controller 130). Over thislink, which can be a WiFi or Bluetooth link, for example, the electroniccigarette 100 may convey identification information to the app on thecommunication device 400, and in the reverse direction the app on thecommunication device 400 may convey information to the electroniccigarette 100 to place the lock in the unlocked state.

In other embodiments, the communication device 400 may include atelephone that the user may employ to establish a conventional telephonylink in order to communicate with a customer service representative ofthe manufacturer of the electronic cigarette 100. The customer servicerepresentative may be tasked with entering the information about theuser into the computing system, e.g., via a computer or other data entrytool, and providing the code or issuing the command to unlock the lockof the electronic cigarette 100.

In other embodiments:

-   -   data may be entered via a digital communication interface (e.g.,        USB, WiFi, Bluetooth) from a smartphone or other electronic        appliance. The data may be supplied by the user via the        smartphone or other electronic appliance, or it could be        supplied by an application running on the smartphone or other        electronic appliance.    -   if the electronic cigarette 100 has an Internet address, the        electronic cigarette 100 may be registered over the Internet    -   voice recognition may be used to unlock the electronic cigarette        100    -   the user may puff (vape) a predetermined number of times and/or        in a predetermined way to unlock the electronic cigarette

In other embodiments, an application running on the user's smartphonecould indicate to the user when, and possibly even where, the ecig isbeing used. This could even provide an indicator of every time thatvaping occurs. It could also indicate the type of cartridge andtherefore whether the cartridge is nicotine containing or not. Thiscould alert the user to vaping that may be occurring in an unauthorizedmanner. It could also allow the user to control vaping by allowing livesuppression of the vaping mechanism. There could also be an indicator ofthe phone number/identity of the person in proximity to the ecig andtherefore the age or other demographic information about the user couldbe determined.

In various embodiments, a communications link mentioned herein may beimplemented by a data network (e.g., the Internet), a public telephonynetwork (e.g., the PSTN), and/or a wireless network (e.g., a cellularnetwork, a satellite network link). Also, in some cases, while two ormore communications networks may be referred to, identified or shownseparately, they may be implemented by a common network infrastructure.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 35 , a given component mentionedherein (e.g., the controller 160 and/or another part of the controlsystem 130 of the electronic cigarette 100; a component of thecommunication device 400, etc.) may comprise a computing apparatus 1500comprising suitable hardware and/or software (e.g., firmware) configuredto implement functionality of that given component. The computingapparatus 1500 comprises an interface 1520, a processing portion 1540,and a memory portion 1560.

The interface 1520 comprises one or more inputs and outputs allowing thecomputing apparatus 1500 to receive signals from and send signals toother components to which the computing apparatus 1500 is connected(i.e., directly or indirectly connected);

The processing portion 1540 comprises one or more processors forperforming processing operations that implement functionality of thecomputing apparatus 1500. A processor of the processing portion 1540 maybe a general-purpose processor executing program code stored in thememory portion 1560. Alternatively, a processor of the processingportion 1540 may be a specific-purpose processor comprising one or morepreprogrammed hardware or firmware elements (e.g., application-specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), electrically erasable programmableread-only memories (EEPROMs), etc.) or other related elements).

The memory portion 1560 comprises one or more memories for storingprogram code executed by the processing portion 1540 and/or data usedduring operation of the processing portion 1540. A memory of the memoryportion 1560 may be a semiconductor medium (including, e.g., a solidstate memory), a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium,and/or any other suitable type of memory. A memory of the memory portion1560 may be read-only memory (ROM) and/or random-access memory (RAM),for example.

In some embodiments, two or more elements of the computing apparatus1500 may be implemented by devices that are physically distinct from oneanother (e.g., located in a common site or in remote sites) and may beconnected to one another via a bus (e.g., one or more electricalconductors or any other suitable bus) or via a communication link whichmay be wired, wireless, or both and which may traverse one or morenetworks (e.g., the Internet or any other computer network such as alocal-area network (LAN) or wide-area network (WAN), a cellular network,etc.). In other embodiments, two or more elements of the computingapparatus of the vehicle 10 may be implemented by a single device.

Any feature of any embodiment discussed herein may be combined with anyfeature of any other embodiment discussed herein in some examples ofimplementation.

Certain additional elements that may be needed for operation of certainembodiments have not been described or illustrated as they are assumedto be within the purview of those of ordinary skill in the art.Moreover, certain embodiments may be free of, may lack and/or mayfunction without one or more elements that are not specificallydisclosed herein.

Although various embodiments and examples have been presented, this wasfor the purpose of describing, but not limiting, the invention. Variousmodifications and enhancements will become apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art and are within the scope of the invention.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An electronic vaping device comprising: a powersource; and a control system including a processor configured to atleast: receive an external control signal from a computing apparatus,the electronic vaping device disabled for use by a user to draw vapor,the external control signal indicating the user is of an age allowed touse the electronic vaping device; enable the electronic vaping devicefor use by the user to draw vapor, in response to the external controlsignal; receive user input that indicates use of the electronic vapingdevice; and control a supply of power from the power source to avaporizer to cause the vaporizer to produce vapor drawable by the user,in response to the user input.
 22. The electronic vaping device of claim21, wherein the electronic vaping device is enabled at a time ofpurchase of the electronic vaping device, and the processor isconfigured to automatically disable the electronic vaping device after apredetermined period that is marked by use of the electronic vapingdevice after the purchase.
 23. The electronic vaping device of claim 21,wherein the electronic vaping device is disabled at a time of purchaseof the electronic vaping device, and the processor is configured toreceive the external control signal and enable the electronic vapingdevice during or after the purchase.
 24. The electronic vaping device ofclaim 21, wherein the processor is further configured to automaticallydisable the electronic vaping device after a predetermined period inwhich use of the electronic vaping device is enabled.
 25. The electronicvaping device of claim 24, wherein the predetermined period is marked bythe electronic vaping device being enabled.
 26. The electronic vapingdevice of claim 24, wherein the predetermined period is marked by use ofthe electronic vaping device after the electronic vaping device isenabled.
 27. The electronic vaping device of claim 21, wherein theprocessor is further configured to automatically disable the electronicvaping device in response to an event that includes a refilling of adepletable resource of the electronic vaping device.
 28. The electronicvaping device of claim 21, wherein the processor is further configuredto disable the electronic vaping device for use by the user to drawvapor, in response to a second external control signal received from thecomputing apparatus in response to an event that depends on a locationof the electronic vaping device.
 29. The electronic vaping device ofclaim 21, wherein the processor is further configured to disable theelectronic vaping device for use by the user to draw vapor, in responseto an event that depends on a proximity of the electronic vaping deviceto the computing apparatus.
 30. The electronic vaping device of claim29, wherein the processor is configured to disable the electronic vapingdevice, in response to a second external control signal received fromthe computing apparatus in response to the event.
 31. The electronicvaping device of claim 29, wherein the proximity of the electronicvaping device to the computing apparatus is determined based on signalstrength or signal travel time over a wireless connection between theelectronic vaping device and the computing apparatus.
 32. The electronicvaping device of claim 21, wherein the electronic vaping device furtherincludes a communication interface via which the processor is configuredto receive inputs from the computing apparatus, and the processor isfurther configured to disable the electronic vaping device for use bythe user to draw vapor, in response to an event that depends on theinputs no longer being received.
 33. The electronic vaping device ofclaim 21, wherein the electronic vaping device further comprises afluid-drawing detector from which the user input is received as a signalresponsive to a draw on the electronic vaping device that thefluid-drawing detector is configured to detect.
 34. The electronicvaping device of claim 33, wherein the fluid-drawing detector isdisabled to disable the electronic vaping device, and the processorconfigured to enable the electronic vaping device includes the processorconfigured to enable the fluid-drawing detector.
 35. The electronicvaping device of claim 33, wherein the processor is configured to ignorethe signal from the fluid-drawing detector when the electronic vapingdevice is disabled, and cause the vaporizer to produce vapor in responseto the signal when the electronic vaping device is enabled.
 36. Theelectronic vaping device of claim 21, wherein the vaporizer is disabledto disable the electronic vaping device, and the processor configured toenable the electronic vaping device includes the processor configured toenable the vaporizer.
 37. A computing apparatus for use with anelectronic vaping device, the computing apparatus comprising: a memoryconfigured to store program code; and a processor configured to accessthe memory, and execute the program code to cause the computingapparatus to at least: receive information regarding a user; use theinformation to determine the user is of an age allowed to use theelectronic vaping device; and in response, send an external controlsignal to the electronic vaping device that is disabled for use by theuser to draw vapor, the external control signal indicating the user isof the age allowed to use the electronic vaping device, the externalcontrol signal sent to cause a control system of the electronic vapingdevice to enable the electronic vaping device for use by the user todraw vapor, in response to the external control signal.
 38. Thecomputing apparatus of claim 37, wherein the computing apparatus iscaused to send the external control signal to enable the electronicvaping device at a time of purchase of the electronic vaping device. 39.The computing apparatus of claim 37, wherein the electronic vapingdevice is disabled at a time of purchase of the electronic vapingdevice, and the computing apparatus is caused to send the externalcontrol signal and enable the electronic vaping device during or afterthe purchase.
 40. The computing apparatus of claim 37, wherein theprocessor is configured to execute the program code to cause thecomputing apparatus to further send a second external control signal tothe electronic vaping device in response to an event that depends on alocation of the electronic vaping device, the second external controlsignal sent to cause the control system of the electronic vaping deviceto disable the electronic vaping device for use by the user to drawvapor, in response to the second external control signal.
 41. Thecomputing apparatus of claim 37, wherein the processor is configured toexecute the program code to cause the computing apparatus to furthersend a second external control signal to the electronic vaping device inresponse to an event that depends on a location of the electronic vapingdevice, the second external control signal sent to cause the controlsystem of the electronic vaping device to disable the electronic vapingdevice for use by the user to draw vapor, in response to the secondexternal control signal.
 42. A computer readable storage medium for usewith an electronic vaping device, the computer-readable storage mediumbeing non-transitory and having program code stored therein that, inresponse to execution by a processor, causes a computing apparatus to atleast: receive information regarding a user; process the information todetermine the user is of an age allowed to use the electronic vapingdevice; and in response, send an external control signal to theelectronic vaping device that is disabled for use by the user to drawvapor, the external control signal indicating the user is of the ageallowed to use the electronic vaping device, the external control signalsent to cause a control system of the electronic vaping device to enablethe electronic vaping device for use by the user to draw vapor, inresponse to the external control signal.
 43. The computer readablestorage medium of claim 42, wherein the computing apparatus is caused tosend the external control signal to enable the electronic vaping deviceat a time of purchase of the electronic vaping device.
 44. The computerreadable storage medium of claim 42, wherein the electronic vapingdevice is disabled at a time of purchase of the electronic vapingdevice, and the computing apparatus is caused to send the externalcontrol signal and enable the electronic vaping device during or afterthe purchase.
 45. The computer readable storage medium of claim 42,wherein the processor is configured to execute the program code to causethe computing apparatus to further send a second external control signalto the electronic vaping device in response to an event that depends ona location of the electronic vaping device, the second external controlsignal sent to cause the control system of the electronic vaping deviceto disable the electronic vaping device for use by the user to drawvapor, in response to the second external control signal.
 46. Thecomputer readable storage medium of claim 42, wherein the processor isconfigured to execute the program code to cause the computing apparatusto further send a second external control signal to the electronicvaping device in response to an event that depends on a proximity of theelectronic vaping device to the computing apparatus, the second externalcontrol signal sent to cause the control system of the electronic vapingdevice to disable the electronic vaping device for use by the user todraw vapor, in response to the second external control signal.